Gusau confident super eagles will qualify for 2026 world cup

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, has expressed optimism that the Super Eagles will secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as they prepare for the decisive playoff stage scheduled to take place in Morocco this November, Sport360NG reports.

Gusau disclosed that preparations for the mini-tournament are already in motion, assuring that the federation is determined to give the national team every necessary support to claim Africa’s sole ticket to the intercontinental playoffs.

Speaking with the Super Eagles media team, the NFF boss said the federation has received strong backing from the Federal Government through the Sports Commission to ensure the team is well-prepared for the crucial encounters.

“From our end, we’re getting all the cooperation we need from the government to make sure we have quality preparation for those matches. By God’s grace, we’ll succeed and move to the intercontinental playoffs,” Gusau stated.

He further confirmed that all relevant stakeholders are working together to provide the team with the best possible environment to excel.

“It’s going to be two matches, and with God on our side, I believe we’ll progress to the intercontinental stage,” he added.

Gusau praised the players for their renewed energy and focus, noting that their recent performances, particularly against Lesotho and Benin Republic, demonstrated their hunger to reach the World Cup.

“We already know our opponents and the venue, and preparations have started. What pleases me most is the players’ attitude and determination. They now understand that qualifying for the World Cup is not only vital for the nation but also for their careers,” he said.
“From their spirit in the last two games, I’m convinced these players are ready. I have no doubts about their commitment.”

The NFF president also threw his weight behind head coach Eric Chelle, whose appointment had initially been met with skepticism. Gusau said the Malian tactician has proven his capability through impressive results in the World Cup qualifying campaign.

“Eric came in when some people had reservations, but thankfully, he has shown Nigerians why he deserves to lead the team,” Gusau said.
“In the World Cup qualifiers, he’s managed six matches, winning four and drawing two. If we had that kind of form earlier in the campaign, we wouldn’t be in this situation.”

He also acknowledged the instability caused by the changes in the coaching staff earlier in the qualification process, describing it as unavoidable.

“People talk about the number of coaches we had, but they don’t understand the circumstances. It was something we couldn’t avoid. What matters now is that we are focused and working hard to achieve our goal,” he said.

Nigeria narrowly missed out on automatic qualification after finishing second in Group C, just one point behind South Africa, who sealed top spot with a 3-0 win over Rwanda in their final group match in Mbombela.

The Super Eagles booked their playoff place with a commanding 4-0 victory over Benin Republic in Uyo, where Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen netted a hat-trick to take his international goal tally to 26.

Nigeria will face Gabon in the semifinal on November 13, with the winner set to play either Cameroon or DR Congo for Africa’s lone berth in the intercontinental playoff slated for Mexico in March 2026.

If successful, the Super Eagles will then take on a team from another continent for a place at the 2026 World Cup, a tournament they are desperate to return to after missing the last two editions in Russia and Qatar.