Nigeria’s Super Eagles held their initial training session in Rabat, Morocco, gearing up for Thursday’s crucial CAF 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoff semi-final against Gabon at the Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan. The practice took place at the Institut Royal des Cadres, with 14 players involved, including recent arrivals Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman and West Brom defender Semi Ajayi.

As of the latest count, 14 of the 24-man squad have arrived at the Rive Hotel, selected for its proximity to the training ground and stadium*. The remaining *seven players* are due today, ensuring a complete roster for tomorrow’s session and a stadium walkthrough on Wednesday. Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi, Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi, and others took part in the light session led by Eric Chelle.

A minor social media stir occurred when Iwobi posted a video of his hotel room view, showing an adjacent old building, prompting criticism of the accommodations. Subsequent footage highlighted the Rive Hotel’s adequate facilities, with the NFF clarifying the choice was driven by logistics for the 5pm kick-off.

A win against Gabon would advance Nigeria to the final against Cameroon or DR Congo on November 16, earning a place in the March 2026 intercontinental playoffs for a World Cup spot. With the camp in high spirits, Chelle’s squad is fully focused.