President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, has revealed that the federation has already begun preparations for the Super Eagles’ 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification mini-tournament, scheduled to take place in Morocco this November.
He assured that the NFF will do everything possible to secure Africa’s lone ticket to the intercontinental playoffs.
Nigeria narrowly missed out on finishing top of Group C by a single point, with South Africa clinching the automatic ticket after defeating Rwanda 3–0 in their final group game at the Mbombela Stadium.
However, the Super Eagles’ emphatic 4–0 victory over Benin in their own final group fixture was only enough to earn them a place in the playoff stage.
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Nigeria will face Gabon in the semifinal (first playoff game) on November 13, and a win would set up a decisive clash against the winner between Cameroon and DR Congo for Africa’s sole slot in the intercontinental playoffs.
Speaking ahead of the mini-tournament, Gusau said the NFF has put necessary mechanisms in place to ensure the team receives the best possible preparation.
“From our end, we’re 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 while reviewing Nigeria’s World Cup campaign.
The NFF president also expressed delight over the renewed commitment and determination shown by the players in their recent performances, especially in matches against Lesotho and Benin.
“We are aware of the countries we’re going to play with and the venue,” Gusau added. “We have already started preparation for that, but the most important thing is the level of commitment and zeal from the players.
“They now realise that going to the World Cup is very important — not just for Nigerians, but for their own careers. When you look at the spirit they showed in our last two matches, these guys are very ready to be at the World Cup, so I don’t have any element of doubt.”
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