Eric Chelle submits provisional Nigeria squad ahead of crucial World Cup playoff in Morocco
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is expected to meet with the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) technical committee this week to finalise his squad for the 2026 World Cup African playoff.
The decisive qualifiers kick off on November 13 in Morocco.
Nigeria will face Gabon in the first semifinal of the playoff, with the winner progressing to meet either Cameroon or DR Congo in the final on November 16.
Only the winner of the mini-tournament will advance to the intercontinental playoff in March 2026, where one more victory will guarantee a place at the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
According to NFF officials, Chelle has already submitted a provisional list of players for the crucial matches.
The upcoming meeting will be used to finalise the squad and conclude logistical arrangements for the team’s preparations in Morocco.
“The NFF began planning for the playoff immediately after the last Group C qualifier against Benin,” an official told The Guardian.
“Because of the importance of these games, we have taken early steps to ensure smooth preparation.”
The Super Eagles are expected to begin camping in Morocco on November 9.
However, an advance delegation comprising technical staff and administrators will arrive earlier to set up training facilities and accommodation.
“All the players will fly directly to Morocco, while the coach and backroom staff will travel from Nigeria,” the official added.
Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology will be used throughout the playoff.
The system is intended to minimise officiating errors and ensure fairness in key match situations.
The two-match tournament is seen as Nigeria’s last chance to stay on course for a return to the global stage after missing out on Qatar 2022.
With intense competition expected, Chelle’s final selection could prove decisive in shaping the Super Eagles’ qualification hopes.
