Super Eagles of Nigeria’s preparations for their decisive World Cup playoff showdown against Gabon have been overshadowed by fitness concerns in camp, Soccernet.ng reports.

Head coach Eric Chelle faces a selection puzzle due to injuries, fitness doubts, and suspension, threatening to disrupt team plans at this crucial stage.

With the Super Eagles camp set to open in Rabat and only days to go before kick-off, absences across key positions mean Chelle must consider tactical adjustments and replacements.

The 11th month of the year is here, big games ahead.

Let’s go, Super Eagles! #SoarSuperEagles #Naija4TheWin pic.twitter.com/rTKFEFqvoa

— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) November 1, 2025

Against a physical Gabon side pushing for their first-ever World Cup ticket, the pressure is firmly on Nigeria to cope despite the setbacks.

Seven Super Eagles players likely to miss Gabon clash

1. Terem Moffi

Nice forward Terem Moffi has been ruled out after picking up a calf injury in training. Having played a key role in recent qualifiers, his absence removes a physical presence up front at a time when Nigeria are already short of attacking options.

Terem Moffi (Photo credit: Imago)

2. Felix Agu

Felix Agu is sidelined after undergoing ankle surgery, ruling him out until next year. His absence deprives Nigeria of a natural left-back option, leaving Chelle with limited choices in a position that already lacks depth.

Felix Agu limps off with injury in Werder Bremen vs FC St Pauli clash — Felix Agu picks a knock in Werder Bremen vs FC St Pauli clash. Copyright: Imago

3. Ola Aina

Ola Aina remains a major doubt as he continues recovery from a hamstring injury. Nottingham Forest’s medical update suggests he may not be match-ready until late December. This makes his involvement highly unlikely and creates defensive concerns for the Super Eagles.

Teboho Mokoena and Ola Aina in action during the semi-final game between Nigeria vs South Africa at the 2023 AFCON in Cote D Ivoire. Photo by Adeniyi Muyiwa Copyright: IMAGO

4. Cyriel Dessers

Panathinaikos F.C. striker Cyriel Dessers is expected to miss the tie due to an ankle injury. He has missed Panathinaikos’ last six games, and his absence further limits Nigeria’s options in the final third.

5. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru

Midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has only resumed light training after suffering a hamstring issue. His midfield skills will be missed, particularly in a fixture where transitions will be key.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru during the Serie A soccer match between SS Lazio and AS Roma at the Rome s Olympic stadium, Italy - Sunday, September 21, 2025 — Fisayo Dele-Bashiru during the Serie A soccer match between SS Lazio and AS Roma at the Rome s Olympic stadium, Italy – Sunday, September 21, 2025. Copyright: ImagoxFabrizioxCorradetti

6. Semi Ajayi

Semi Ajayi is ruled out of the first leg after accumulating yellow cards. The Hull City defender has been pivotal in the back line, and his absence will force Nigeria into reshaping their central defensive partnership for a crucial encounter.

Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi celebrates after an own goal Ghana defender Razak Simpson 4 during the Unity Cup London 2025 match between Ghana and Nigeria — Nigeria defender Semi Ajayi celebrates after an own goal Ghana defender Razak Simpson 4 during the Unity Cup London 2025 match between Ghana and Nigeria [Photo credit/IMAGO]

7. Igoh Ogbu

Defender Igoh Ogbu has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. This further thins Nigeria’s defensive options. The SK Slavia Prague stopper’s absence means Chelle loses another reliable cover at centre-back during a period where Ajayi will not be able to feature against Gabon.