Nigeria’s preparation for Thursday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoff has gathered real momentum in Rabat, Morocco, according to a report from Premium Times (Abuja).
As of Monday, 18 players had arrived in camp, with team officials confirming that three more were expected before midnight, which would take the tally to 21 ahead of Tuesday’s second training session.
The team held its first full training session at the Institut Royal de Formation des Cadres in Rabat under the supervision of head coach Eric Chelle.
Key regulars already in Morocco include Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Moses Simon, joined by Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, and Olakunle Olusegun.
Defenders like Captain William Troost-Ekong, Benjamin Frederick, and Chidozie Awaziem are also present, alongside goalkeepers Amas Obasogie and Stanley Nwabali, and stars such as Ademola Lookman, Chidera Ejuke, and Akor Adams.
The early camp atmosphere has been described as positive, with Chelle and his assistants putting the players through recovery drills, light ball work, and tactical routines.
Training intensity is expected to rise sharply from Tuesday once the final group of players joins.Chelle’s 24-man list, unveiled at the weekend, reflects a careful balance of form, experience, and renewal.
The coach recalled Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and Sevilla winger Chidera Ejuke. Defensively, teenage centre-back Benjamin Frederick underlines Chelle’s willingness to refresh the squad.
Nigeria’s opening clash in the four-nation play-off tournament is against Gabon on Thursday, 13 November, at the 22,000-capacity venue.
The winner of this semi-final, along with the winner of the Cameroon versus DR Congo match, will face off on Sunday, 16 November, for Africa’s sole ticket to the Inter Continental Playoffs.