Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is gearing up for the crucial FIFA World Cup playoffs next week.

Latest reports indicate that the Malian tactician has submitted a strong squad list to the technical committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) ahead of the encounter against Gabon on Thursday, November 13.

According to OwnGoalNigeria, the NFF advised that the 47-year-old expand the list from 22 to 25 players to accommodate additional selections.

An NFF official, who spoke to OwnGoalNigeria on condition of anonymity, said Chelle is also awaiting injury updates from some of the players’ clubs before finalizing the squad.

“Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has submitted the squad list to the NFF but has not given express permission to make it public. I feel he is checking and waiting on the fitness levels of some of the important players before making the final decision on who to include and remove.

“There are also talks between Chelle and the Technical Committee about an enlarged squad of 25 for the playoffs rather than the usual 22 or 23 players. As soon as Eric Chelle gives the go-ahead, it will be made public,” the official added.

The Super Eagles will take on Gabon at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Rabat, with the winner facing either Cameroon or DR Congo in the final CAF playoff on Sunday, November 16.

The team will open camp on Sunday, November 9 in Rabat, Morocco.

WDN