World Cup Playoffs: Maduka Okoye returns as Chelle rolls out Nigeria squad

Nigeria senior men’s national team head coach Eric Chelle has recalled Udinese FC goalkeeper Maduka Okoye to the Super Eagles squad after naming his 25 man list ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier playoffs in Morroco.

Okoye was not called up for the October squad due to suspension by the Italian football committee but ever since returning to action, he has been impressive in the colors of Udinese.

The list which included the current UEFA Champions League top goal scorer, Victor Osimhen, was released via the Super Eagles official social media handles. Captain William Troost-Ekong, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, and defenders Benjamin Fredricks and Calvin Bassey were also included in the squad.

Winner will face Cameroon or DR Congo in final

Also recalled is Spain-based forward Chidera Ejuke, and midfielder Raphael Onyedika, forwards Tolu Arokodare, Jerome Akor Adams and Olusegun Olakunle also made the roster.

Chelle included 89-capped midfielder Alexander Iwobi, midfielders Frank Onyeka and Wilfred Ndidi, and forwards Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman in his team. All the players are scheduled to arrive in Morocco from their different bases, to converge in Rabat on Monday, 10th November.

Nigeria will take on Gabon in the first semi-final scheduled for the 22,000 – capacity Complexe Sportif Prince Heritier Moulay Al Hassan in Rabat next week Thursday, with the winner of that encounter to face either Cameroon or DR Congo in the final.

The overall winner will secure a spot in the Inter-Continental Play-Off set for next March in Mexico.

2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier playoffs squad list;

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Maduka Okoya (Udinese FC, Italy).

Defenders: William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium).

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium).

Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia).