President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has expressed strong confidence that the Super Eagles will be fully prepared to secure Africa’s slot in the Intercontinental Play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Speaking on Wednesday, Gusau assured that both the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the NFF are working closely to ensure Nigeria maintains its fine form when they face Gabon in the semi-final of the CAF play-offs on Thursday, 13th November, and potentially meet the winner between Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the final on Sunday, 16th November.
“Everything is being done, by the NSC and the NFF, to see that nothing is left to chance,” Gusau stated. “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 Benin Republic on the final day of the qualifiers will propel the team to victory in the play-offs.”
Gusau revealed that the Super Eagles’ camp will open in Rabat, Morocco on Sunday, 9th November, as part of the final phase of preparations. He added that discussions with the players have been productive, with everyone focused on the collective goal of qualifying for the global showpiece.
“We are speaking to the players already, and everyone is on the same page,” he said. “Every preparation needed to see the team soar to victory will be made, and I believe the players are further motivated by that burning desire every professional footballer has — to play at the FIFA World Cup.”
The Super Eagles will 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 located in Rabat. The final of the play-offs is scheduled to take place at the Stade Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan.
Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that a draw will be conducted on Thursday, 30th October, to determine which of the semi-final fixtures will be hosted in either of the two Rabat stadiums
