Play-off clash: Super Eagles camp bubbles in Rabat against Gabon
By Uzor Odigbo
The Super Eagles’ camp in Rabat, Morocco, is beginning to buzz with activity as players arrive ahead of Thursday’s crucial FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off clash against Gabon.
Early arrivals in camp include Fulham FC stars Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze, who were among the first to report for national duty.
Also already settled in are Wilfred Ndidi, recently named vice-captain of Turkish side Beşiktaş, Tolu Arokodare of Genk, and Olakunle Olusegun, who plies his trade with FC Krasnodar in Russia.
The team’s technical crew and backroom staff arrived earlier to make logistical and tactical preparations for the decisive encounter, ensuring a smooth start to the training sessions scheduled for Monday evening.
Nigeria will face Gabon on Thursday in the first of two semi-final fixtures in the CAF-organised World Cup play-off tournament.
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The winner over two legs will progress to the Intercontinental Play-offs in March 2026 — the final hurdle toward qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Team officials say more players are expected in Rabat by Monday night, with full training expected to commence on Tuesday morning.
The Super Eagles will focus on fine-tuning their tactical shape, fitness, and set-piece routines under the supervision of head coach Eric Chelle, who has emphasized discipline, intensity, and unity in camp.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that all travel and camp arrangements have been finalised, with morale high among players and officials as the team seeks to secure an early advantage against a competitive Gabonese side.
The Super Eagles are expected to hold a closed-door session on Wednesday before Thursday’s play-off, which will be staged at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat
