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Five Super Eagles stars to watch out for against Gabon

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Nigeria vs Gabon : Five Super Eagles stars to watch out for…

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face the Panthers of Gabon at the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan in Rabat, Morocco, in two days, Soccernet.ng reports.

Eric Chelle’s men gave themselves a second chance in their World Cup qualifying journey after securing a 4-0 win over the Republic of Benin during the October International break.

To reach the World Cup, Nigeria must defeat Gabon in the Play-Offs, and then repeat the same feat when they face the winner of the other semi-final between Cameroon and DR Congo.

Frank Onyeka of Nigeria during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match between Super Eagles of Nigeria and Benin Republic at Godwill Akpabio Stadium on October 14, 2025, in Uyo, Nigeria. Photo by ImagoxNsidibe Akpan

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Super Eagles players to watch out for against Gabon

5. Stanley Nwabali

The Chippa United goalkeeper has had shaky displays in Nigeria’s last two games. His error led to Lesotho’s goal in South Africa, and nearly led to another against Benin.

Stanley Nwabali during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Amavubi of Rwanda
Stanley Nwabali during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on September 6, 2025, in Uyo, Nigeria. Photo by ImagoxAkpan Nsidibe

Eric Chelle has jumped to the defence of the former Enyimba International goalie, claiming he wants a man with character between the sticks.

While Maduka Okoye can serve as a competitor to the 29-year-old, Nwabali will most likely be in goal for a crucial fixture like Gabon’s and will need to be at his best if Nigeria are to stand a chance of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

4. Calvin Bassey

Semi Ajayi will be unavailable against Gabon due to an accumulation of yellow cards, and William Troost-Ekong hasn’t been convincing over the past few games he’s played.

Calvin Bassey prays after the Everton v Fulham
Calvin Bassey prays after the Everton v Fulham Premier League match at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool, England, on 8 November 2025. Credit: ImagoxRyan Crockett

The onus then lies on the Fulham centre-back Calvin Bassey to lead the Super Eagles from the back, making sure things are composed and compact.

3. Alex Iwobi

Iwobi will be making his 90th appearance in the Green and White colours of the Super Eagles should he feature against Gabon.

A huge occasion such as this demands a big performance, and the former Arsenal man will want to make it count.

Alex Iwobi during the World Cup Qualifiers match between Nigeria and Lesotho
Alex Iwobi during the World Cup Qualifiers match between Nigeria and Lesotho at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on November 16, 2023, in Uyo, Nigeria. Photo by ImagoxVictor Ihechi

Additionally, he’s been very influential in Nigeria’s victories over their last two games, and Eric Chelle’s midfield pairing has to align with getting the best out of Iwobi against Gabon.

2. Samuel Chukwueze

The AC Milan loanee hasn’t had a lot of minutes under his belt with Fulham in the English Premier League this season.

However, his creativity, when he’s at his best, cannot be overstated, as he created two chances for Victor Osimhen in Nigeria’s 4-0 win over Benin.

Victor Osimhen during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match between Super Eagles of Nigeria and Benin Republic
Victor Osimhen of Nigeria during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match between Super Eagles of Nigeria and Benin Republic at Godwill Akpabio Stadium on October 14, 2025, in Uyo, Nigeria. Photo by ImagoxNsidibe Akpan

1. Victor Osimhen

Osimhen has scored the most goals for the Super Eagles in their qualifying campaign, and his proficiency in front of goal will be needed against the Panthers of Gabon.

The Galatasaray striker scored a hat-trick against the Republic of Benin last time out and will be looking to build on that on Thursday.