Fulham trio Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze have charged their Super Eagles teammates to go all out for victory in the African World Cup Qualifying Play-off Tournament in Morocco, Bold Sports reports.
The Super Eagles are set to begin their playoff campaign on Thursday (today) against the Panthers of Gabon at the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan in Rabat, as they aim to secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria booked their place in the playoffs after a commanding 4-0 victory over Benin Republic. A win over Gabon would see them advance to the final round, where they will face either Cameroon or DR Congo for a spot in the Inter-Confederation playoff scheduled for March 2026.
Speaking ahead of the match, Alex Iwobi urged his teammates to give their all to ensure Nigeria’s qualification.
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“Hopefully we will win and get the results we want because the World Cup is the biggest competition and it will be a shame if Nigeria don’t go so it’s only right that we give our best and try and ensure that Nigeria are there,” Iwobi told sports journalist Kelechi Anyikude.
Calvin Bassey echoed similar sentiments, emphasising the team’s renewed sense of belief and responsibility.
“We started off very slow but we’re here now. Hope has been restored, we just have to make sure we keep going. We are Nigeria, we are a massive nation, we know there’s a lot of expectation and responsibility. As players we just need to focus on what we need to do, go out to Morocco and make sure we get both wins,” the defender said.
For winger Samuel Chukwueze, unity within the team and among fans is key as Nigeria looks to return to football’s biggest stage.
“This is the moment we needed, this is not the time to criticise anyone. This is the time we have to be together because everyone wants to be at the World Cup. Nigeria needs to be at the World Cup. We’re going to give our best, I promise them that,” Chukwueze stated.
The match between Nigeria and Gabon kicks off at 5 p.m., while Cameroon will face DR Congo later in the evening at the Stade El Barid, also in Rabat.
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