2026 World Cup Qualifiers: List Of Key Super Eagles Players Ruled Out of CAF Playoffs

2026 World Cup Qualifiers: List Of Key Super Eagles Players Ruled Out of CAF Playoffs

By Admin 

Nigeria’s preparations for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoffs have been dealt a significant blow, with several key players set to miss the matches due to injuries, suspensions, and fitness concerns, BSNSports.co.ng reports.

Head coach Eric Chelle will now have to make difficult selection decisions as the Super Eagles begin their push to secure a spot in next year’s intercontinental playoffs.

The playoffs, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), are scheduled to take place in Rabat, Morocco, from November 13 to 16, 2025.

Below is a list of notable absentees

Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, Hamstring Injury)

The 26-year-old forward sustained a hamstring injury shortly after returning from international duty in October. His club manager, Franck Haise, confirmed that Moffi would be sidelined for “several weeks,” ruling him out of Nigeria’s playoff campaign.

Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest — Long-Term Injury)

Versatile full-back Ola Aina remains unavailable following an injury picked up during international duty last month. Everton manager Sean Dyche described the setback as a “longer-term situation,” meaning the defender is unlikely to feature again before the end of the year.

Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos — Ankle Injury)

Nigeria’s attacking depth has also been weakened, with Cyriel Dessers still recovering from an ankle injury. The Panathinaikos striker has missed his club’s last six matches, and although his recovery is progressing, he is not expected to be fit in time for the playoffs.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio — Thigh Injury)

Midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru will also be absent after suffering a Grade I thigh flexor injury during Lazio’s Derby della Capitale clash on September 21. Medical reports suggest a recovery period of at least one month, ruling him out of action for the crucial international fixtures.

Felix Agu (Werder Bremen — Ligament Injury)

Defender Felix Agu has been officially ruled out after undergoing surgery for a syndesmosis ligament injury sustained in Werder Bremen’s 1–0 Bundesliga win over St. Pauli. His absence comes as a major setback for Nigeria’s defensive options ahead of both the World Cup playoffs and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Semi Ajayi (Hull City— Suspension)

Defender Semi Ajayi will miss the first leg of the playoffs due to suspension after accumulating yellow cards in previous qualifiers. However, he could be available for selection should Nigeria advance to the final round.

With these absences, Coach Chelle is expected to rely heavily on players such as Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Raphael Onyedika to fill the void.

The Super Eagles will face Gabon in the semifinal on November 13, and if successful, will play the winner of the Cameroon versus DR Congo clash for a place in the intercontinental playoff round. The eventual winners in the final match will represent Africa in the FIFA Interncontinental playoff in Mexico in March, 2026.