Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle Submits Squad List Ahead of 2026 World Cup Playoffs

Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle Submits Squad List Ahead of 2026 World Cup Playoffs

By BSN Sports 

 Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has submitted his provisional squad list for Nigeria’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff matches scheduled to take place later this month in Morocco, though the official list has not yet been made public, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Nigeria secured their place in the playoff round after a commanding 4–0 victory over Benin Republic last month, a result that highlighted their dominance and attacking depth.

The Super Eagles will begin their playoff campaign on November 13, facing Gabon in the first semi-final. The winner of that fixture will advance to the final to meet either Cameroon or DR Congo, with a place in the Intercontinental Playoff and ultimately, a shot at World Cup qualification at stake.

Although Chelle has already submitted his player roster, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that the list remains confidential pending the coach’s final approval.

 “The coach has submitted the list, but he has not authorized its release yet. He is still monitoring the fitness of some players before finalizing his selection,” an NFF official told reporters.

According to the same source, discussions are ongoing about expanding the squad size to 25 players, instead of the usual 22 or 23, to give the coaching crew more tactical flexibility during the mini-tournament.

Preparations for the playoff began immediately after Nigeria’s final Group C fixture against Benin Republic, underscoring the NFF’s determination to secure a return to the global stage after missing the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. “The NFF initiated preparations for the playoff right after the last group match because of how crucial it is,” the official added.

The Super Eagles are expected to assemble in Morocco on November 9, while an advance delegation from the federation will travel earlier to finalize logistical and training arrangements.

 “All players will report directly to Morocco, while only the coach and backroom staff will depart from Nigeria,” the NFF representative confirmed.

The upcoming playoffs will be decisive for Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions, with fans eagerly awaiting the official squad announcement and the start of what promises to be an intense qualification campaign.