Nigeria’s Starting XI: Ndidi Leads Super Eagles in Gabon Clash

Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has named his starting lineup for Thursday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff against Gabon at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat.

Stanley Nwabali keeps his place in goal, earning his 26th start for the Super Eagles, while Maduka Okoye, who was the last to join camp, starts from the bench. With Ola Aina ruled out by a long-term injury, Bright Osayi-Samuel steps in at right-back. He joins Benjamin Fredrick, Calvin Bassey, and Zaidu Sanusi in defence.

Wilfred Ndidi captains the team and partners Alex Iwobi in midfield as Chelle sticks with his preferred 4-4-2 setup. Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman start on the wings, bringing pace and flair to Nigeria’s attack.

Upfront, Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray and Akor Adams of Sevilla lead the charge. On the bench are Tolu Arokodare, Moses Simon, William Troost-Ekong, and others.

Starting XI: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Fredrick, Bassey, Zaidu; Ndidi, Iwobi, Chukwueze, Lookman; Adams, Osimhen.

Substitutes: Okoye, Troost-Ekong, Ejuke, Onyeka, Arokodare, Simon, and others.