World Cup Showdown: Super Eagles Storm Morocco Camp Ahead Of Crucial Playoff Clash

The Super Eagles have officially opened camp in Rabat, Morocco, as preparations intensify for Thursday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa playoff semi-final against Gabon.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to team media officer Promise Efoghe, the camp opened on Sunday at the Rive Hotel in the Moroccan capital. Eight players were already on ground by afternoon, with two more joining later in the night.

By Sunday evening, early arrivals included captain William Troost-Ekong, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, Tolu Arokodare, and Olakunle Olusegun. Efoghe confirmed that Benjamin Frederick and Chidozie Awaziem were expected to arrive before midnight.

Head coach Eric Chelle and his technical team are already in Rabat, where the players will hold training sessions at the Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan, a 22,000-capacity stadium that will also host Thursday’s clash.

Chelle earlier named a 24-man squad for the playoff, featuring some notable returnees. Maduka Okoye, Udinese’s in-form goalkeeper, makes a comeback after reclaiming his starting spot in Serie A. His return follows calls for greater consistency in goal after recent mixed performances from Stanley Nwabali.

Also back in the fold is Sevilla winger Chidera Ejuke, who earns his first Super Eagles call-up since 2021. Ejuke’s impressive form in La Liga—marked by speed, skill, and creativity—has been a major boost for his club this season.

Nigeria will take on Gabon in the semi-final on Thursday, while Cameroon face DR Congo at the El-Barid Stadium, also in Rabat. Winners of both encounters will meet on November 16 to decide who advances to the inter-confederation playoffs for a spot at the 2026 World Cup in North America.

Having missed out on Qatar 2022, the Super Eagles are determined to reclaim their place on football’s biggest stage, their last World Cup appearance being at Russia 2018.