Super Eagles starting XI: Nwabali, Chukwueze, Ndidi, Fredrick, Ajayi, Onyeka, Lookman start; Simon bench

Allnigeriasoccer.com can exclusively report that Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has announced his starting lineup for the African final of the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff against the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat. 

Stanley Nwabali has received the green light from the Super Eagles medical team to take to the field after an injury scare during the second half of Nigeria's 4-1 win over Gabon.

The Chippa United star has been selected in goal, his tenth consecutive start in the World Cup qualifiers including the playoffs.

Hull City's Semi Ajayi has pipped Chidozie Awaziem to a starting role despite the Nantes central defender providing an assist off the bench in the victory over the Panthers. 

The former Arsenal youth team skipper partners Calvin Bassey at the heart of the defence, with Benjamin Fredrick and Zaidu Sanusi taking up the right-back and left-back roles respectively.

Ndidi has been cleared to feature in the final and he starts in midfield alongside Brentford's Frank Onyeka and Fulham's Alex Iwobi, 

Elsewhere, Victor Osimhen will spearhead the attack, with Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman also deployed in attacking positions. 

Forwards Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and Chidera Ejuke have been named on the substitutes bench, alongside Maduka Okoye, William Troost-Ekong, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Alhassan Yusuf, Amas Obasogie, Raphael Onyedika and Awaziem.  

Super Eagles starting lineup to face the Leopards: Nwabali; Fredrick, Semi Ajayi, Bassey, Zaidu; Ndidi, Iwobi, Onyeka, Lookman, Chukwueze, Osimhen.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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