Nigeria Football Federation President Ibrahim Musa Gusau has expressed strong belief that the Super Eagles will overcome Gabon in next month’s World Cup play-off and move closer to sealing a ticket for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Footynaija.com reports.
The Super Eagles missed automatic qualification after finishing as one of the best runners-up in their group, meaning they must now navigate a difficult play-off path that begins with a one-legged clash against Gabon in Morocco on November 13.
If Nigeria win, they will face either Cameroon or DR Congo three days later, with the eventual winner advancing to the inter-continental play-off scheduled for March 2026.
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Pressure remains high on the Super Eagles, who have featured in six of the last eight World Cups. The team, led by coach Eric Chelle, will be looking to maintain momentum after their 4-0 win over Benin in the qualifiers.
Speaking in an interview with the Super Eagles media team, as reported by Punch, Gusau said the Federation has put all necessary plans in motion to ensure the players get the best possible preparation for the upcoming matches.
“From our end, we are getting all the cooperation we need from the government through the Sports Commission to ensure that we have good preparation for those matches. By God’s grace, we are going to succeed and move to the intercontinental playoffs,” Gusau said.
“It is going to be two matches, and by the grace of God, I know we are going to succeed and move forward to the intercontinental playoff,” he added.
The NFF boss, who has been at the helm since September 2022, has repeatedly stressed the need for proper planning, logistics and early player release to help Nigeria achieve its World Cup dream.
Nigeria are chasing their first World Cup appearance since Russia 2018 after missing the last edition in Qatar.
The winner of the play-off final in Morocco will represent Africa in the inter-continental tie in March 2026, where a World Cup spot will be on the line. Gusau, however, believes faith and preparation will see Nigeria through.
