Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is set to be without four key players as he prepares for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup African Zone playoffs against the Panthers of Gabon, scheduled for November 13 at the El Barid Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
Nigeria, alongside Cameroon, DR Congo, and Gabon, has qualified for the African Zone playoffs, with each team guaranteed at least one match (the semifinal) and a place in the final playoff if they win their opening fixture.
Chelle’s preparations have taken a hit, with midfield duo Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio) and Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge) ruled out through hamstring injuries. Right-back Ola Aina is also sidelined until January 2026, while striker Cyriel Dessers faces a time out with a sprain, making him doubtful for the encounter.
All four players also missed Nigeria’s final 2026 World Cup qualifying victories over Lesotho and Benin. Their absence was felt, particularly with the lack of natural right-backs forcing Chelle to deploy centre-back Benjamin Fredrick in an unfamiliar role.
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In midfield, the unavailability of Onyedika and Dele-Bashiru left the squad thin, with only Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi available as regular options.
The Super Eagles will hope to overcome Gabon in the semifinal on November 13, setting up a potential final clash against either Cameroon or DR Congo for Africa’s sole spot in the inter-confederation playoffs scheduled for 2026.
Despite the injury setbacks, Chelle still has several capable options across defence, midfield, and attack – but he will be hoping his key players return to full fitness before the decisive fixtures.
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