Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu and Inter Milan loanee Ebenezer Akinsanmiro were notable absentees as Nigeria announced a 24-man squad for this month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoffs in Moroco.
The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed the list on Saturday ahead of the semi-final clash with Gabon at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat on November 13.
Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and forward Chidera Ejuke were among the notable returnees in the squad announced by head coach Eric Chelle.
The Super Eagles will need to win that match to reach the final three days later, where they could face either Cameroon or DR Congo for a place in the inter-confederation playoffs.
Onuachu’s omission came as a major surprise, particularly as the 30-year-old has scored eight league goals this season and recently won the Turkish Super Lig Player of the Month award for October. His absence, despite being the top-scoring Nigerian in Europe’s major leagues, raised eyebrows given Nigeria’s limited striking options beyond Victor Osimhen.
Hours after the squad announcement, Onuachu proved his worth by scoring Trabzonspor’s only goal in their 1-1 draw against Alanyaspor on Saturday. The striker received a pass from Mustafa Eskihellac in front of the box in the 15th minute, used a beautiful piece of skill to get past his markers, and poked the ball past the goalkeeper to make it 1-0.
Akinsanmiro, currently on loan at Pisa from Inter Milan, was also overlooked despite a string of fine performances in Serie B, where he has been praised for his energy, creativity and composure on the ball.
