Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff against Gabon have intensified as four new arrivals brought the Super Eagles’ camp in Rabat to 14 players on Monday.
Ademola Lookman, Semi Ajayi, Stanley Nwabali and Amas Obasogie joined an already lively squad featuring Fulham trio Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze.
Lookman’s arrival, in particular, comes as a morale boost for head coach Eric Chelle, with the reigning African Footballer of the Year expected to play a key role in Thursday’s decisive encounter.
Bassey provides injury Update
Meanwhile, Calvin Bassey has provided reassurance over his fitness after limping off during Fulham’s 2-0 defeat to Everton on Saturday.
Speaking to SportyTV, the 25-year-old defender confirmed he sustained a minor knock but insisted he remains fully fit for international duty.
“This game we knew it was gonna be a fight… I got a little knock but I’m fine,” Bassey said. The Nigerian international called for improvement in Fulham’s defensive setup, lamenting that many of their conceded goals have come from set-pieces and personal errors.
Nigeria’s camp nears full strength
With seven players still expected, the coaching staff plans to begin tactical drills later on Monday ahead of the playoff against Gabon in Rabat, which will determine who advances to face Cameroon or DR Congo in the final qualifying round.
Players in camp:
Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, William Troost-Ekong, Benjamin Frederick, Chidozie Awaziem, Amas Obasogie, Stanley Nwabali, Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman.
