FULL LIST: Simon dropped as Chukwueze starts in Super Eagles’ attack for Gabon clash
Moses Simon has been left out of Nigeria’s starting line-up for Thursday’s 2026 World Cup playoff semi-final against Gabon, with Samuel Chukwueze named as his replacement in attack. Chukwueze joins Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams in a four-man frontline as head coach Eric Chelle opts for a more aggressive attacking setup. Simon started […]
FILE PHOTO: Super Eagles players celebrate after scoring a goal
Moses Simon has been left out of Nigeria’s starting line-up for Thursday’s 2026 World Cup playoff semi-final against Gabon, with Samuel Chukwueze named as his replacement in attack.
Chukwueze joins Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams in a four-man frontline as head coach Eric Chelle opts for a more aggressive attacking setup. Simon started all of Nigeria’s matches during the group phase of the qualifiers.
Chelle also made changes in defence, leaving out William Troost-Ekong for the youthful centre-back pairing of Calvin Bassey and Benjamin Frederick. Zaidu Sanusi and Bright Osayi-Samuel retain their roles as full-backs, while Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi continue in midfield. Stanley Nwabali remains in goal.
The Super Eagles face Gabon at 5 p.m. in one of the semi-final fixtures of the African playoffs. The winner will meet either DR Congo or Cameroon in the final for a chance to secure Africa’s sole ticket to the intercontinental playoff.
Nigeria’s preparations have been overshadowed by off-field issues. On Tuesday, the players boycotted training over unpaid allowances and only returned to the pitch on Wednesday after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) addressed their demands.
Super Eagles Starting XI:
Stanley Nwabali; Benjamin Fredrick, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Zaidu Sanusi; Wilfred Ndidi (C), Alex Iwobi; Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams, Victor Osimhen.