Sports
World Cup Playoffs: Super Eagles Open Morocco Camp Nov 9
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will open their training camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa Playoffs on Sunday, November 9, 2025, in Rabat, Morocco, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed.
Nigeria will face Gabon in the first semi-final of the playoffs, while Cameroon will take on DR Congo in the other semi-final. The matches will determine which nation advances to the intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March 2026 in Mexico.
According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the two semi-final matches will be played on Thursday, November 13, with the final set for Sunday, November 16, at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in Rabat.
The Super Eagles will face the Panthers of Gabon at either the 18,000-capacity El-Barid Stadium or the 22,000-capacity Prince Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex—both in Rabat. CAF is expected to conduct a draw on Thursday to determine which match will be held at each venue.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau expressed confidence in the team’s preparation ahead of the playoffs, assuring fans that everything is being done to ensure success.
“Everything is being done by the NSC and the NFF to ensure that no stone is left unturned,” Gusau said. “The special spirit that saw the team score four goals against Benin Republic on the final day of the qualifiers will propel us to victory again. We are speaking with the players already, and everyone is on the same page.”
The NFF boss added that the players are highly motivated by the prospect of representing Nigeria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Nigeria, Gabon, DR Congo, and Cameroon all advanced to the playoffs after finishing as the best second-placed teams in the African qualifying series. CAF paired the teams based on the FIFA rankings released on October 17, 2025.
Nine African teams have already secured direct qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while one of these four teams will have the opportunity to represent the continent in the FIFA Intercontinental Playoff Tournament next year.
