₦airaland Forum

There was a time Nigerians completely wrote off the national team’s chances of playing at the 2026 World Cup. The qualifying campaign was topsy-turvy. But a late push saw the Super Eagles beat favourites, Benin Republic to the second spot in Group C on the last day.

This means Eric Chelle’s men made it to the African playoffs as one of the best runners-up. On Thursday, they play Gabon in the first semi-final, while Cameroon face DR Congo in the second semi-final.

By Sunday, we will know which African country will progress to the FIFA intercontinental playoff tournament in March, which is the final hurdle for qualification into the World Cup 2026 in North America.

The Super Eagles’ preparation for the playoffs have been far from ideal. With 48 hours before the match, the players and officials were locked in standoff with the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, over unpaid bonuses and refused to train.

The issue was eventually sorted out yesterday. And you have to wonder if Chelle has had enough time to drill his squad and solidify his tactical plan for the tricky Panthers.

Nigeria were absent at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. And with nine slots handed to Africa this time around, you expected them to make a return to the tournament.

Last time, they lost the second leg of their playoff to Ghana on home turf. This time around, in Rabat, they have to see off two rivals from the continents to even move to the next stage of qualification.

AngelicBeing:
They need to play like a wounded lion if they want to be in the world cup ooooooooo,

GanagiBitrus:
Gabon too will play like Wounded Lion because they too want to be in the world cup.

AngelicBeing:
Then, it goes to who is HUNGRIER THE MOST

GanagiBitrus:
No be by hunger o.

It's by who scores more goals at the end of the match.

Racoon:
https://dailypost.ng/2025/11/13/nigeria-vs-gabon-super-eagles-last-chance-at-2026-world-cup-via-playoffs/

Sifte:
Nigeria 1 Gabon 2
This is my own prediction. Take it or leave it. But come here after the math to see.
Even tho i wish Nigeria to win.
Note: This is not a betting tip

saphiere:
The female team always making the country proud.
These ones are content creators