The Super Eagles’ camp officially opened on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco, with 10 players already on ground as Nigeria begin final preparations for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup CAF playoffs.
The first group of players and officials arrived at the Rive Hotel in Rabat on Sunday afternoon, marking the start of an important week in Nigeria’s quest to return to the global football stage.
Team media officer, Promise Efoghe, confirmed that the early arrivals included Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, and Olakunle Olusegun.
“Later in the evening, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, and William Troost-Ekong joined the squad, bringing the number to eight. By nightfall, Benjamin Fredericks and Chidozie Awaziem also checked in, taking the tally to 10 as preparations intensified,” Efoghe said.
Coach Eric Chelle on Saturday announced his final 24-man list for the playoffs, featuring a blend of Europe-based stars and top local talents for the decisive fixtures in Rabat.
Nigeria will take on Gabon in their first playoff game on Thursday. Victory would see them advance to the African playoff final against either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo on November 16, also in Rabat.
The playoff stage offers African teams another pathway to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, the eventual winner must still progress through an intercontinental playoff set for March 2026 in Mexico.