World Cup (Q): Gusau confident Nigeria will qualify via playoffs

Nigeria Football Federation president Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau assured that the Super Eagles will be at their best to qualify via the African and intercontinental playoffs for next year’s 2026 World Cup finals to be jointly-hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico.

Calvin Bassey and NFF President Ibrahim Gusau 🥰.
#SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/RDgf5hCbd3

— Justina Aniefiok (@Justinaaniefiok) October 14, 2025

Gusau exuded confidence on Wednesday that aside the forever-unyielding Nigerian spirit which saw the team clinch a spot in the play-offs in the first place, the National Sports Commission and the NFF are working in tandem to ensure the three-time Africa Cup of Nations champions are poised for victory in their African regional playoff opening clash against Gabon on Thursday, 13th November.

“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 Bénin Republic on the final day of the qualifiers, will propel the team to victory in the play-offs.”

He also confirmed the planned date for the playoff preparation camp as communications between players to ensure that there are in good shape and motivated.

“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.”

The Super Eagles square up to the Panthers of Gabon at the Stade Moulay Hassan in Rabat, where all three African playoff fixtures will take place beginning with the semifinals on 13th November.

A win for Nigeria against Gabon will see them face the winner between Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo (the other semi final) on Sunday, 16th November.