The coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Eric Chelle, named a 24-man squad on Friday for the upcoming CAF World Cup qualifying play-offs in Morocco, and two big names — goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and winger Chidera Ejuke — return to the team.
Okoye, Udinese’s goalkeeper, missed recent call-ups after a two-month suspension in Italy for breaching betting rules.
He is now free to play and was recalled to challenge for the No. 1 jersey.
The recall gives coach Chelle more options between the posts and raises a question about who will start in Morocco.
The recall also comes as many Nigerian football fans have grown disillusioned with the idea of Stanley Nwabali as the team’s No.
Chidera Ejuke’s return adds pace and trickery on the wings.
The Sevilla winger had missed time with a muscle problem but has been back in training and earning minutes for his club.
His recall means Nigerian fans can expect extra speed and dribble power on the flanks as the team chase a vital play-off win.
The squad mixes established stars and in-form players. Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are among the attackers named, and veterans such as William Troost-Ekong help steady the defence.
Nigeria will open its play-off campaign with a semi-final in Rabat, Morocco, with the winner moving on to the next round.
Nigeria’s participation in the playoffs was made possible after a Victor Osimhen hat-trick on the last day of the official CAF FIFA World Cup qualifiers helped the national team earn a spot as one of the best-performing second-placed teams.
The winners of the playoff will move closer to a place at the 2026 World Cup.
