The Super Eagles have officially opened camp in Rabat, Morocco, as they gear up for Thursday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa playoff semi-final against Gabon.

According to the team’s media officer, Promise Efoghe, the camp commenced on Sunday at the Rive Hotel in the Moroccan capital. Eight players arrived by the afternoon, with two more expected later in the night.

By Sunday evening, the early arrivals included captain William Troost-Ekong, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, Tolu Arokodare, and Olakunle Olusegun. Efoghe added that Benjamin Frederick and Chidozie Awaziem were slated to join before midnight.

Head coach Eric Chelle and his technical team are already in Rabat, where the squad will train at the Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan, a 22,000-capacity stadium that will also host Thursday’s semi-final clash.

Gossip News Now reports that Chelle had earlier named a 24-man squad for the playoff, which features some notable returnees. Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is back after reclaiming his starting position in Serie A, responding to calls for greater stability between the posts following inconsistent performances from Stanley Nwabali.

Also returning is Sevilla winger Chidera Ejuke, making his first Super Eagles call-up since 2021. His pace and flair have been instrumental for Sevilla in recent La Liga matches and are expected to add dynamism to Nigeria’s attack.

Nigeria will face Gabon on Thursday, while Cameroon takes on DR Congo at the same venue. The winners of both semi-finals will meet on November 16 to decide who advances to the inter-confederation playoffs for a chance to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in North America.

After missing out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Super Eagles are eager to return to the global stage, having last competed at Russia 2018.