Victor Osimhen in flight against the Bénin Republic in Uyo on 14th October. The Eagles won 4-0 to book a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup CAF Play-offs
By Dianabasi Effiong
Six-time finalists Nigeria, will be at their very best to get Africa’s slot in the Intercontinental Play-offs for next year’s FIFA World Cup finals, the President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, assured on Wednesday.
The World Cup will be jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Gusau said that in spite of the forever-unyielding Nigerian spirit which saw the team clinch a spot in the play-offs, the National Sports Commission and the NFF are working together to ensure that the three-time African champions triumph over Gabon on Nov. 13, and defeat the winner between Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo (the other semi-final) on Nov. 16.
“Everything is being done by the NSC and the NFF to see that nothing is left to chance. No stone will be left unturned. That special spirit that saw the team rise to the occasion and score the four goals they actually needed against the Bénin Republic on the final day of the qualifiers will propel the team to victory in the play-offs.
“The camp will open in Rabat, Morocco, on Sunday, 9th November. We are speaking to the players already and everyone is on the same page.
“Every preparation needed to see the team soar to victory will be made, and I believe the players are additionally motivated by that keen desire of every professional footballer to feature at the FIFA World Cup finals,” he said.
The Super Eagles square up to the Panthers of Gabon at either the 18,000–capacity El-Barid Stadium or the 22,000–capacity Prince Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex (both in Rabat), with the Final of the play-offs scheduled for the Stade Prince Heritier Moulay El Hassan.
The Confederation of African Football has announced that a draw will be conducted on Oct. 30 to determine which of the semi-final matches will be played in either stadium.
Victor Osimhen in flight against the Bénin Republic in Uyo on 14th October. The Eagles won 4-0 to book a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup CAF Play-offs
