The Super Eagles have unveiled their starting XI for Thursday’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff encounter against Gabon, taking place at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
According to an update on the team’s official X handle, midfielder Wilfred Ndidi will captain the side, with Calvin Bassey and Frederick Marshal anchoring the defence.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) also confirmed that Alex Iwobi is set to earn his 90th international cap, while Victor Osimhen will lead the frontline alongside Akor Adams.
Team News ️
©️ Ndidi leads the team as captain
️ Bassey and Frederick marshal the defense
Iwobi makes his 90th Super Eagles appearance#NGAGAB #SoarSuperEagles #FIFAWCQ pic.twitter.com/mUaRJy1YqV— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) November 13, 2025
Starting line-up:
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 Super Eagles lost the Group C automatic slot to South Africa, finishing on 17 points, one behind the Bafana Bafana after the last round of qualifiers last month.
Against the Panthers of Gabon at the Stade Prince Moulay Al Hassan in Rabat, Morocco, Nigeria may hope for a similar outcome to progress in their plans of qualifying for the World Cup in the Americas.
