A complete of 16 Tremendous Eagles gamers took half within the staff’s first coaching session on Monday as preparations kicked off for the 2026 FIFA World Cup CAF playoffs in Rabat, Morocco, a scenario they received themselves into after Victor Osimhen’s hat trick within the 4-nil victory towards Benin ensured Nigeria’s World Cup dream has not grow to be a distant reminiscence.
The camp formally opened on Sunday with 10 gamers and the teaching employees settling in on the Rive Resort, Rabat, marking the beginning of what might be a defining week in Nigeria’s journey again to the largest stage in world soccer.
Softfootball understands that six extra gamers joined on Monday, Amas Obasogie, Stanley Nwabali, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, and Chidera Ejuke, bringing the overall quantity in camp to 16. He additionally confirmed that 5 others had been nonetheless anticipated to reach later. The staff posted a video of the groups coaching through their official X account.
Watch the video under:
Head coach Eric Chelle had earlier named a 24-man squad over the weekend, mixing Europe-based stars with a couple of standout names from the home league for the decisive playoffs in Morocco.
Nigeria will tackle Gabon this Thursday within the first leg of the playoffs. A win would see the Tremendous Eagles transfer into the African playoff ultimate, the place they’ll face both Cameroon or DR Congo on November 16, additionally in Rabat.
The African playoff stage offers groups one final shot at qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, although whoever wins right here will nonetheless must undergo an intercontinental playoff scheduled for March 2026 in Mexico.
Chelle’s newest checklist noticed a couple of notable modifications from October’s qualifiers, the place Nigeria overcame Lesotho and Benin to seal a playoff spot as probably the greatest runners-up. Among the many returnees are Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and defender Chidozie Awaziem, whereas Raphael Onyedika and Chidera Ejuke had been recalled so as to add some spark in midfield and assault.
In the meantime, Felix Agu, Terem Moffi, and Christantus Uche had been neglected of the present squad.
Regardless of being the highest-ranked staff among the many 4 contenders, Chelle has warned his gamers towards complacency, stressing the necessity for self-discipline and tactical focus.
Full checklist of the 16 Tremendous Eagles at present in camp:
Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, and William Troost-Ekong, Benjamin Frederick, Chidozie Awaziem, Amas Obasogie, Stanley Nwabali, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, and Chidera Ejuke.
