W’Cup playoffs: Ndidi captain as Super Eagles release squad for Gabon clash

The Super Eagles have released their starting line-up for Thursday’s crucial 2026 World Cup playoff against Gabon at Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.

In a post on Super Eagles X’s handle, the team announced that Ndidi will lead the team as captain, while Bassey and Frederick Marshal will mount the defence.

The Nigeria Football Federation also confirmed that Iwobi will make his 90th Super Eagles appearance while Victor Osimhen partners Akor Adams in attack.

Starting Lineup

Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali
Defenders: Benjamin Frederick, Zaidu Sanusi, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Captain), Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze
Forwards: Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams

Substitutes include Maduka Okoye, Ola Aina, Frank Onyeka, Michael Onyemaechi, Abdullahi, Moses Simon, Obasogie, Nwadike, Chidozie Awaziem, and Olusegun.

The match starts at 5 pm (Nigerian time)

The Super Eagles, who finished as runners-up in Group C of the qualifiers, face the Panthers of Gabon.

A victory here is essential for Nigeria to advance to the playoff final and keep their World Cup dreams alive, especially after a mixed qualifying campaign that saw them secure only three direct qualifiers from Africa amid recent form struggles.

The winner between both teams will progress to the African playoff final against either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo on November 16, also in the Moroccan capital.

The playoffs offer a further opportunity for an African team to qualify for the World Cup but the winner will have to get past teams from other continents in another playoff series in March.