The Super Eagles of Nigeria resumed training yesterday after a one-day training boycott in preparation for today’s 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff match against Gabon in Rabat, Morocco’s Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium.
According to Daily Trust, the match is crucial for Nigeria’s quest to make it back to the World Cup after they were absent at the last tournament in Qatar. The match is set to take place at 5:00 pm.
The team’s media section has verified that the players, officials, and football authorities have settled all remaining difficulties, enabling the squad to concentrate solely on the playoffs.
The fact that captain William Troost-Ekong tweeted on X to announce that all outstanding financials have been paid is further evidence of this.
“Problem fixed. Cleared and on ground for outstanding financials. The squad is “unified” and “focused” on doing their best for Nigeria in the upcoming games, he said.
Yesterday evening, the Super Eagles had their second practice since their arrival, following a short session on Monday, November 10, at the Institut Royal de Formation Des Cadres in Salé, near Rabat.
Ahead of the playoffs, Nigeria has been in fine form, going undefeated in their past six games and cruising to a 4-0 victory over Benin Republic.
Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and star striker Victor Osimhen will spearhead the attack, with Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi likely to dominate in the middle of the field.
Concerns over Semi Ajayi’s ban may lead to a benching, and Ola Aina’s rehabilitation from surgery is ongoing.
Ivory Coast came out on top in Group F, but Gabon is no pushover. With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang bolstering their attack, they have scored 22 goals and allowed nine goals in qualification.
Nigeria has a better record, having won five of their nine meetings. Their position in the FIFA rankings is also favorable, at 41st, compared to Gabon’s 77th.
With a victory, the Super Eagles of Nigeria would advance in their quest to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada, Mexico, and the US. In the last playoff match before March’s intercontinental qualifier, the winner will meet the victor of the match between Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Depending on FIFA rankings, Nigeria could face a team from South America, Asia, Oceania, or the CONCACAF zone if they make it that far. In order to qualify for the expanded 48-team World Cup, teams must first win their respective intercontinental playoffs.
The recent boycott was triggered by worries about unpaid allowances, it should be mentioned. While the National Sports Commission (NSC) does not pay players directly, Director-General Bukola Olapade made it clear that all team finances have been sent to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) since his appointment in November 2024.
Players’ dues were entirely met thanks to previous government initiatives, including as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu clearing a ₦12 billion backlog in January 2024 and following bonus settlements, which helped restore confidence and stability within the team.
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