JUST IN: Okoye, Ejuke return as Eagles name 24-man play-off squad News

Nigeria have announced a 24-man squad for this month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-offs in Morocco, with goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and forward Chidera Ejuke among the notable returnees, PUNCH Online reports.

The Nigeria Football Federation across all its social media confirmed the list on Saturday ahead of the semi-final clash with Gabon at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat on November 13.

The Super Eagles will need to win that match to reach the final three days later, where they could face either Cameroon or DR Congo for a place in the inter-confederation play-offs.

Among the goalkeepers, Okoye’s inclusion was widely anticipated. The Udinese shot-stopper is back in the national fold for the first time since June.

His recall follows sustained calls for his reinstatement after recent doubts surrounding Stanley Nwabali’s consistency.

The 26-year-old has re-established himself as Udinese’s first-choice goalkeeper, putting in several strong performances since returning from a two-month suspension in July for breaching sporting conduct rules.

His return to form, highlighted by a superb display that ended Atalanta’s unbeaten run last weekend, has been central to his comeback.

In defence, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chidozie Awaziem and Semi Ajayi were all named.

Osayi-Samuel returns after recovering from a muscle injury that sidelined him during the last international window.

The Birmingham City full-back has regained full fitness, featuring in recent Championship fixtures and offering Nigeria added stability down the right flank.

Ajayi, however, remains suspended for the semi-final against Gabon after picking up two yellow cards during the group stage against Lesotho and Benin but was still called up to the squad.

Nantes defender Awaziem also returns after missing recent windows, while captain William Troost-Ekong and Fulham’s Calvin Bassey maintain their places.

In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf and Alex Iwobi retain their positions, joined by Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika, who returns after recovering from a hamstring injury.

The 24-year-old featured for Brugge in their 2-1 win over Dender and impressed against Barcelona in a six-goal thriller that earned him a standing ovation. His return offers Nigeria a technically sound and defensively assured option in midfield, particularly with Christantus Uche and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru unavailable as backup options.

Ejuke’s inclusion marks his first return to the national team since October 2024. The Sevilla winger last played for the Super Eagles in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations against Guinea-Bissau.

Since then, he has rebuilt his career in Spain, registering one assist in eight La Liga appearances for Sevilla this season.

His creativity and dribbling could add dynamism to Nigeria’s attack, which will again be led by Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen.

The attack also includes current African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams and Olusegun Olakunle, providing depth across wide and central areas.

Notable omissions include Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu and young midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro.

Onuachu, who has scored seven league goals this season and recently won the Turkish Super Lig Player of the Month award for October, was widely expected to make the squad.

His absence, despite being the top-scoring Nigerian in Europe’s major leagues, comes as a surprise given Nigeria’s limited striking options beyond Osimhen.

Akinsanmiro, currently on loan at Pisa from Inter Milan, was also overlooked despite a string of fine performances in Serie A, where he has been praised for his energy, creativity and composure on the ball.

Nigeria are aiming to return to the World Cup for the first time since 2018 after missing out on the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

The play-offs in Rabat will see four African teams — Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon and DR Congo — compete in two single-leg semi-finals and a one-match final from November 13 to 16.

The overall winner will qualify for the inter-confederation play-offs for a final shot at securing a spot at the 2026 finals in North America.