Eric Chelle has unveiled his starting line-up for the Super Eagles 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs against the Panthers of Gabon, reports Completesports.com.
Chelle made two changes to the side that defeated the Cheetahs of Benin Republic 4-0 last month.
As expected, Chippa United shot stopper Stanley Nwabali will be in goal.
Osayi-Samuel and Zaidu Sanusi will be the two full-backs.
Calvin Bassey will pair Benjamin Fredrick at the heart of the team’s defence.
Read Also:2026 WCQ Playoffs: Iwobi Set For 90th Super Eagles Appearance Vs Gabon
Chelle once again opted for a two-man midfield of Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi.
Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman returned to the starting line-up after missing the game against Benin due to suspension.
Samuel Chukwueze will play from the right- wing.
Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen will lead the attack alongside Jerome Akor.
Super Eagles X1 Vs Gabon
Nwabali
Osayi-Samuel
Fredrick
Bassey
Sanusi
Ndidi
Iwobi
Lookman
Chukwueze
Akor
Osimhen
By Adeboye Amosu
2 Comments
Jesus … Why bench moses simon .. He is a big game player. SE dont won matches in which moses simon starts from bench
I love how Akor Adams suppresses his urge to score by feeding Osihmen and playing the more withdrawn role. Should he continue this way, his partnership with Osihmen will be sealed.
Arokodare’s desire to be a co-equal goal scorer with Osihmen appears to have relegated him to the bench despite coming onto the scene earlier than Akor.
Statistics suggests that Moses Simon provides more assists than Lookman but Lookman is undeniable the more higher profile player. Chukwueze’s rockstar performance in the last match meant benching him for Simon on the right would be the height of stupidity.
People complain that Iwobi is poorly utilised by being played dep beside Ndidi. But these critics fail to see that Ndidi and Iwobi have formed a formidable partnership in midfield.
Fredricks will have to exhibit maturity way beyond his years today with Bassey hopefully curbing his propensity for errors.
Sanusi and Osayi-Samuel are experienced fullbacks with the latter more effective offensively.
Where is Amas Obasoki?? I also you.