Nigeria have announced a 24-man squad for this month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-offs in Morocco, with goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and forward Chidera Ejuke among the notable returnees, PUNCH Online reports. The Nigeria Football Federation across all its social media confirmed the list on Saturday ahead of the semi-final clash with Gabon at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat on November 13. The Super Eagles will need to win that match to reach the final three days later, where they could face either Cameroon or DR Congo for a place in the inter-confederation play-offs.
Among the goalkeepers, Okoye’s inclusion was widely anticipated. The Udinese shot-stopper is back in the national fold for the first time since June. His recall follows sustained calls for his reinstatement after recent doubts surrounding Stanley Nwabali’s consistency. The 26-year-old has re-established himself as Udinese’s first-choice goalkeeper, putting in several strong performances since returning from a two-month suspension in July for breaching sporting conduct rules.
His return to form, highlighted by a superb display that ended Atalanta’s unbeaten run last weekend, has been central to his comeback. In defence, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chidozie Awaziem and Semi Ajayi were all named. Osayi-Samuel returns after recovering from a muscle injury that sidelined him during the last international window. The Birmingham City full-back has regained full fitness, featuring in recent Championship fixtures and offering Nigeria added stability down the right flank.
Ajayi, however, remains suspended for the semi-final against Gabon after picking up two yellow cards during the group stage against Lesotho and Benin but was still called up to the squad. Nantes defender Awaziem also returns after missing recent windows, while captain William Troost-Ekong and Fulham’s Calvin Bassey maintain their places.
In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf and Alex Iwobi retain their positions, joined by Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika, who returns after recovering from a hamstring injury. The 24-year-old featured for Brugge in their 2-1 win over Dender and impressed against Barcelona in a six-goal thriller that earned him a standing ovation. His return offers Nigeria a technically sound and defensively assured option in midfield, particularly with Christantus Uche and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru unavailable as backup options.
