Osimhen Missing As 16 Super Eagles Begin Training in Rabat Ahead of Gabon Playoff

Osimhen Missing As 16 Super Eagles Begin Training in Rabat Ahead of Gabon Playoff

By Niyi Busari 

The Super Eagles of Nigeria held their first training session in Rabat, Morocco, on Monday evening, ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff semifinal against Gabon, with Victor Osimhen notably absent, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Osimhen, widely regarded as one of the hottest strikers in world football at the moment, was among three players yet to report to camp. The forward featured for his club Galatasaray in their Turkish Super Lig fixture against Kocaelispor on Sunday, November 9, which ended in a 1–0 defeat.

The former Napoli striker was spotted departing Turkey for Morocco shortly after the match but had not arrived by the time Nigeria began their evening training session. Team officials confirmed that Osimhen and the remaining two players were expected to join the camp later on Monday night.

Training Update

Sixteen players took part in the opening session, including Ademola Lookman, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, William Troost-Ekong, Benjamin Fredrick, Chidozie Awaziem, Amas Obasogie, Stanley Nwabali, Semi Ajayi, Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke, Olakunle Olusegun, and Tolu Arokodare.

Later in the evening, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Raphael Onyedika arrived aking the number to 18.

The training was a light, recovery-focused workout as head coach Eric Chelle used the opportunity to outline tactical adjustments and discuss team strategy ahead of Thursday’s crucial showdown with Gabon.

The match, scheduled for Thursday, November 13, in Rabat, will determine which team advances to the final playoff round for a chance to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.