The Nigeria Super Eagles will face Gabon in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying Africa play-offs in Morocco on November 13, with a potential final clash against either DR Congo or Cameroon writes The Punch. Ahead of the crucial fixtures, head coach Eric Chelle is expected to refresh his squad with a number of players who missed the last international window but have since returned to form or fitness.
Maduka Okoye
Among the names expected to return, none has generated as much debate as Okoye. The Udinese goalkeeper is being strongly tipped to make a comeback after missing all the international windows since June, with either Adebayo Adeleye or Amas Obasogie likely to make way.
Okoye’s resurgence has been met with widespread calls for his reinstatement, especially following recent public doubts surrounding Stanley Nwabali, Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations 2023 hero.
The 26-year-old’s last appearance in the squad came against Russia on June 6, though he did not feature. His international career appeared to stall after a difficult spell in Italy, compounded by a two-month suspension in July over allegations of match-fixing during a game against Lazio. Though cleared of intent, he was found to have violated sporting standards, resulting in a 61-day ban that kept him out for six games.
Since returning, Okoye has reasserted himself as Udinese’s first-choice goalkeeper, making crucial saves and earning plaudits for his performances, including a standout display that ended Atalanta’s unbeaten run last weekend. He has conceded six goals and kept one clean sheet in four games this season, saving 12 of 18 shots faced. His return to form puts him in a strong position to reclaim the No. 1 shirt.
Paul Onuachu
Few Nigerian players in Europe are enjoying a richer vein of form than Onuachu. The Trabzonspor striker looks certain to earn a recall for the World Cup play-offs after rediscovering his scoring touch in Turkey.
Onuachu last featured for Nigeria on June 6, 2024, coming off the bench in the 2-1 defeat to Benin. That result effectively halted Nigeria’s momentum, and he has since been overlooked by successive call-ups.
Following a difficult Premier League spell with Southampton, Onuachu has found stability in Turkey. His permanent transfer to Trabzonspor last summer came after an impressive loan stint where he netted 15 goals in 21 league matches.
However, his performances in the Turkish Super Lig this season have made his omission almost untenable. With seven goals in the league, the towering forward leads all Nigerian players in Europe’s top leagues. He was recently named the league’s October MVP and previously won Goal of the Month awards for both August and September.
With Victor Osimhen being the only undisputed striker, Onuachu’s inclusion could provide Nigeria with a much-needed backup, aerial or physical presence in attack.
Ebenezer Akinsanmiro
Emerging as one of Nigeria’s brightest young midfield prospects, Akinsanmiro has been linked with a maiden senior call-up. Currently on loan at Serie A side Pisa from Inter Milan, the 20-year-old has impressed with his energy, composure and creativity in Italy’s top flight.
Nicknamed the “Caicedo of Serie A”, Akinsanmiro has delivered consistently strong performances for Pisa, earning a Man of the Match award against Fiorentina and notching his first assist in a draw against AC Milan.
Last weekend, he put in another commanding display against Torino, winning eight of nine duels and narrowly missing the target with a shot that struck the post.
Chelle is understood to have monitored him closely, watching several of his games live, and could bring him in to inject pace and dynamism into Nigeria’s midfield. With the Super Eagles struggling for creativity in recent matches, Akinsanmiro’s technical ability and transitional play could be key assets against defensively compact sides like Gabon.
Chidozie Awaziem
The suspension of Semi Ajayi for the first leg against Gabon has opened the door for Chidozie Awaziem’s return. The Nantes defender was last called up for Nigeria against South Africa on in September and remains one of the squad’s most versatile options, capable of operating both in central defence and at right-back.
While Ajayi could still be included for a potential second-leg clash against DR Congo or Cameroon, Chelle is likely to call on Awaziem’s experience and familiarity with the team’s defensive system.
Moritz Jenz
Germany-born defender Moritz Jenz may be on the verge of his first-ever Nigeria call-up. Born to a Nigerian father and German mother, the 26-year-old Mainz centre-back has long been courted by the Nigeria Football Federation.
Jenz previously expressed a preference for representing Germany, but talks with Eric Chelle earlier this year appear to have changed his stance. The two reportedly planned a meeting last summer, which was postponed due to Jenz’s wedding, but discussions have since continued.
After a strong Bundesliga campaign, the defender is said to be open to switching allegiance. His athleticism, composure, and aerial dominance could provide much-needed depth in Nigeria’s central defence.
