Okoye, Awaziem & Ejuke return as Chelle Names 24 for World Cup playoffs Crunch Tie

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has handed recalls to 24 players ahead of next week’s 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against the Panthers of Gabon, among which there are: 3 goalkeepers, 8 defenders, 5 midfielders and 8 forwards.

The Super Eagles will convene in Morocco this weekend ahead of their crucial clash in the Maghreb nation.

While in-form striker Victor Osimhen and reigning African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman headline the list, Chelle has included five players who missed October’s all-important window in his roster.

They include goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel and Chidozie Awaziem, midfielder Raphael Onyedika, as well as Sevilla winger Chidera Ejuke.

The Super Eagles will square up to the Panthers of Gabon at either the 18,000-capacity El-Barid Stadium or the 22,000-capacity Prince Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex, both in Rabat, with the final leg of the playoffs scheduled for the Stade Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan.

Squad list

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, Amas Obasogie

Defenders: Bright Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Fredrick, Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi, Chidozie Awaziem, William Ekong

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf

Forwards: Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams, Toluwalase Arokodare, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Chidera Ejuke, Olakunle Olusegun