By VICTOR OKOYE

A total of 16 players took part in the Super Eagles’ first training session on Monday as the team began preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup CAF playoffs in Rabat, Morocco.

The team’s camp had officially opened on Sunday with the arrival of 10 players and coaching staff at the Rive Hotel, Rabat, marking the start of a decisive week in Nigeria’s quest to return to the global football stage.

According to Promise Efoghe, the team’s media officer, six more players namely— Amas Obasogie, Stanley Nwabali, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, and Chidera Ejuke — arrived on Monday to bring the number of players in camp to 16.

Efoghe added that five more players were expected to join later tonight.

Coach Eric Chelle had on Saturday finalised a 24-man squad featuring a strong mix of Europe-based stars and domestic talents for the decisive playoffs in Morocco.

Nigeria will face Gabon on Thursday in the first playoff match.

A victory would send the Super Eagles into the African playoff final against either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo on Nov. 16, also in Rabat.

The African playoff round offers teams an additional route to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

However, the winner of this stage must still advance to an intercontinental playoff scheduled for March 2026 in Mexico.

Chelle’s current squad includes several changes from October’s qualifiers, where Nigeria defeated Lesotho and Benin to secure a playoff berth as one of the four best runners-up.

Among the returnees are goalkeeper Maduka Okoye of Udinese and defender Chidozie Awaziem.

Midfielder Raphael Onyedika and forward Chidera Ejuke have also been recalled to strengthen the team’s creativity.

Players left out from last month’s list include Felix Agu, Terem Moffi, and Christantus Uche.

In spite of being the highest-ranked team among the four playoff contenders, Chelle has urged his players to remain disciplined and focused, emphasising that tactical precision will be crucial in securing qualification.

Full list of 16 Super Eagles current in Camp:

Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, and William Troost-Ekong.

The rest include; Benjamin Frederick, Chidozie Awaziem, Amas Obasogie, Stanley Nwabali, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke. (NAN)