Super Eagles winger Moses Simon has been dropped from Nigeria’s starting line-up for the 2026 World Cup African playoff clash against Gabon, with Samuel Chukwueze taking his place in attack.
Chukwueze joins Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Akor Adams to form a dynamic frontline for Thursday’s semi-final encounter.
Simon, 30, had been a consistent starter throughout the group stage of the qualifiers but will begin this crucial tie from the bench.
Head coach Eric Chelle has also opted for a youthful defensive pairing, benching William Troost-Ekong in favour of Calvin Bassey and Benjamin Fredrick, while Zaidu Sanusi and Bright Osayi-Samuel start as full-backs.
In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi retain their places, with Stanley Nwabali starting in goal.
The Super Eagles will face Gabon at 5 p.m. on Thursday, with the winner set to meet either Congo DR or Cameroon in the final for a spot in the intercontinental playoff.
Nigeria’s build-up to the game has been overshadowed by controversy, after players boycotted Tuesday’s training session over unpaid allowances—a standoff that was resolved just 24 hours before the match.
Super Eagles Starting XI: Stanley Nwabali; Bright Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Fredrick, Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi; Wilfred Ndidi (C), Alex Iwobi; Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams, Victor Osimhen.
