Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau has revealed that preparation for next month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs is already on.
The Super Eagles, who finished second in Group C in the qualifiers, are one of four teams that will feature in the playoffs in Morocco.
The other three teams are Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, Gabon and Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Super Eagles will take on Gabon in one of the semis billed for November 13.
Speaking to the Super Eagles media team, Gusau stated that preparations for the playoff have already commenced.
“We are aware of the countries that we are going to play with, and we are also aware of the venue. So as I’m talking to you right from today, we have even started preparation for that.”
Gusau admitted that appointment of head coach Eric Chelle raised a lot of questions among Nigerians.
“Eric came in despite the fact that a lot of people have some reservation, they ask how do we got to that and that, but thank God till now at least he has justified to Nigerians why he can be the coach of the Super Eagles.”
Gusau stressed on Chelle’s record in the World Cup qualifiers, noting that the former Malian international took charge of six matches, winning four and drawing two.
“if we have some little resemblance of that in the first four matches we could have not been where we are today.”
Also Read: I Trust Osimhen To Take Us To 2026 World Cup –Ex-Super Eagles Star
Thr NFF boss cited the involvement of three different coaches before Chelle was appointed.
“Three coaches managing a lot of people say that, but they don’t want to really talk about how did it happen. 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.”
On the Super Eagles players’ commitment as they recognize the importance of qualifying for the World Cup:”The level of commitment and zeal of the players going to the World Cup is a very, very important thing to them and their career more than even how Nigerians look at it.”
3 Comments
To be seen working. You know you are not saying the truth, NFF chief. Is it because players are not yet crying out for past bonuses owed yet? I choose to believe nothing. SA sports minister is rooting for SE downfall even if he’s tongue in cheek sha but hold on!
I hope the preparation is not to sneak in unknown names into the playoffs because it’s NFF second nature? If it is so, no prepare again.
Preparation means paying Chelle to get video analysts on Gabon, Cameroon and Congo DRC. Preparation is hinting some clubs to not play our most fragile players too much.
Preparation is getting all the necessary assistance for Chelle to succeed and checking up on the players to motivate them ahead of playoff unheard of in Nigerian football before but we’ll manage as matches still fall under FIFA window.
Preparation is not having Eguavoen and the impotent technical department ringing Chelle to “make it happen” or his seat will be replaced by them because we still know, sabotage is also not beyond glasshouse to have their men enter coaching positions by hook or crook.
Preparation is not by mouth and since God does not forbid bad thing, super Eagles, if plans go awry (and God knows it would have if Burkina Faso and Niger had an extra day after us, to play; we wouldn’t have even scored 4 goals to begin with (as those who fell off the race casually treated their games before us)), nothing will stop us from missing out on the first world cup with 48 teams.
Ah, imagine what 32 teams race would have been for us with the high competitive teams around today.
Cameroon is currently “sick”; Gabon and DRC are teams that should have trembled when they heard they’re facing us but they all scored more goals and points than we did.
So, NFF president, better be true with the preparation garb and give the coaching crew max support. Videos, tactics, etc.
All four teams have “God” so “God” is gonna be neutral.
Thumbs up @ Sly fox. You said it all.
The best preparation is to take a sober reflection on how we got to this level. As someone who has always believed that only 50% of the team of players who have failed in recent years (from 2020) should be part of the next phase.
Chelle should continue integrating new players gradually because the introductioof new players like Frederick, Aro, Adam really helped reshape the WCQ.
No need recycling players who have failed to step up…
** A creative MF
** A proven GK
** A top CDF
I believe that return of Fisayo, Onyedika, Aina, and Tella will further
strengthen the team.