Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has released his 24-man squad for the must-win 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff clash against the Panthers of Gabon.

The 47-year-old tactician guided Nigeria to a second-place finish in CAF qualification group C, amassing a total of 17 points.

The Super Eagles are now aiming to secure Africa's sole ticket for the intercontinental playoffs after South Africa secured the automatic ticket, per ESPN.

Chelle’s squad list comprises eight forwards, five midfielders, eight defenders, and three goalkeepers, per Yahoo Sports.

NFF explains delay in squad announcement

An official of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has revealed the reason behind the delay in releasing the Super Eagles squad list for the upcoming World Cup playoffs.

According to Score Nigeria, the delay arose from a minor disagreement between head coach Eric Chelle and the federation over the number of players to be invited.

Eric Chelle’s squad:

Who is missing?
Who should not be on the list?
What do you think about the squad?

Are you still hopeful?

Eric Chelle is about to cook. pic.twitter.com/R1DVkynABQ

— Adepoju Tobi Samuel 🇳🇬 (@OgaNlaMedia) November 8, 2025

The source disclosed that Chelle opted to expand the squad from 23 to 24 players, confident that Nigeria would overcome Gabon and advance to the final against either DR Congo or Cameroon.

The coach reportedly included Semi Ajayi as the 24th player, despite the defender being suspended for the clash with the Panthers.

“Coach Eric Chelle submitted his squad much earlier and we were about to name the squad before Gabon. The issue was that Chelle demanded for a bigger squad, while the NFF wanted the coach to only call up 23 players to save cost.

“Chelle argued he will be a lot more comfortable with more than the usual 23 players because hopefully Nigeria will play two very important matches within a short time and one cannot rule out injuries and fatigue.”

Chelle knows what he wants - Chukwunonso Nigeria sports journalist, Arinzechi Chukwunonso, has backed the decision of Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle to have an expanded list for the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs.

Speaking in an exclusive comment with Legit.ng, Chukwunonso said Chelle is confident in himself and Nigerians should expect positive results in the coming days.

There's is a Super Eagles player we don't appreciate well enough, he's quiet and highly effective, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Semi Ajayi.

Moses Simone Victor Osimhen pic.twitter.com/oz3CJWEvt6

— Kemisola Adekunle ⚪ (@KemisolaAdekun1) October 15, 2025

"I like the confidence of Eric Chelle; he knows what he wants and the Nigeria Football Federation must help him succeed.

"The addition made by the Super Eagles coach is a welcome idea and he is thinking two steps ahead of the NFF officials."