The Super Eagles camp officially opened on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco, with the arrival of 10 players, marking the start of Nigeria’s final preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoffs.
The first batch of players and team officials touched down in Rabat on Sunday afternoon, signalling the beginning of a decisive week in Nigeria’s bid to return to the world’s biggest football stage.
Among the early arrivals were Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, and Olakunle Olusegun.
Head Coach Eric Chelle, who on Saturday announced his 24-man squad for the playoffs, has assembled a strong roster of Europe-based stars and domestic talents for the crucial fixtures in Rabat.
Nigeria will face Gabon in the first playoff match on Thursday, with victory paving the way to the African playoff final against either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo on 16 November, also in the Moroccan capital.
The playoff series provides African teams with an additional opportunity to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The eventual winner will still face an intercontinental playoff in March 2026 in Mexico.
Despite Nigeria’s status as the highest-ranked team in the playoff round, Coach Chelle has warned against complacency, urging his players to remain focused and disciplined as they chase a return to the global stage.
