Gusau confident of Eagles’ World Cup playoff success News

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau, has expressed confidence in the Super Eagles’ ability to succeed in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification playoffs scheduled to take place in Morocco this November, Saturday PUNCH reports.

Gusau revealed that the federation has already begun preparations for the mini-tournament and assured that the NFF will do everything possible to secure Africa’s lone ticket to the intercontinental playoffs.

Speaking in an interview with the Super Eagles media team, Gusau said the NFF has put necessary mechanisms in place to ensure the team receives the best possible preparation for the crucial matches.

“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.

Gusau confirmed that the NFF is receiving full support from the government and relevant authorities, with the federation leaving no stone unturned in their quest to reach the World Cup.

“It’s going to be two matches, and by the grace of God, I know we are going to succeed and move forward to the intercontinental playoff,” he declared.

The NFF president expressed delight over the renewed commitment and determination shown by the players in their recent performances, especially in matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic during the last international window.

“We are aware of the countries we’re going to play with and the venue. As I’m talking to you right from today, we have even started preparation for that, but the most important thing is the level of commitment and zeal from the players,” he said.

“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.”

The NFF boss also defended the appointment of head coach Eric Chelle, acknowledging that the decision initially raised questions among some Nigerians but insisting the Malian tactician has justified his selection.

“Eric came in despite the fact that a lot of people have some reservations, but thank God till now at least he has justified to Nigerians why he can be the coach of the Super Eagles,” Gusau said.

He highlighted Chelle’s impressive record in the World Cup qualifiers, noting that the coach handled six matches, winning four and drawing two.

“Forgetting about all the friendly matches and other things, we talk about the World Cup qualifiers. He handled six matches. He won four and drew two. If we had some little resemblance of that in the first four matches, we could not have been where we are today,” he added.

Gusau also reflected on the challenges faced by the team, citing the involvement of three different coaches prior to Chelle’s tenure, a situation he described as a necessity rather than a choice.

“Three coaches managing, a lot of people say that, but they don’t want to really talk about how it happened. It’s a necessity that we can’t do otherwise. But we thank God we are here and we are going to work hard to make sure that at least we get to the ultimate desired goal,” he stated.

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.

The Super Eagles secured their playoff spot following their 4-0 victory over Benin Republic in Uyo, with Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen scoring a hat-trick to take his international tally to 26 goals.

Nigeria will face Gabon in the semi-final 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 scheduled for Mexico in March 2026.

Should Nigeria successfully navigate the continental playoffs, they would face a team from another confederation in the intercontinental playoffs for a place at the mundial.

The Super Eagles have missed the last two World Cups, failing to qualify for Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, making the 2026 edition particularly significant for Nigerian football.