Nigeria Football Federation President, Ibrahim Gusau, has confirmed that preparations are already underway for the Super Eagles ahead of next month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs.
The Super Eagles, who finished second in Group C of the qualifiers, will be among four teams competing in the playoffs scheduled to take place in Morocco.
The other nations include the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Nigeria will square off against Gabon in one of the semi-final fixtures on November 13.
Speaking with the Super Eagles media team, Gusau disclosed that early preparations had begun for the crucial encounter.
“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.”
The NFF president also addressed the concerns raised by Nigerians over the appointment of head coach Eric Chelle.
“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 highlighted Chelle’s impressive record during the World Cup qualifiers, noting his unbeaten run in six matches.
“If we have some little resemblance of that in the first four matches we could have not been where we are today.”
He further explained that the team’s instability prior to Chelle’s arrival, having been managed by three different coaches, contributed to their struggles.
“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.”
Gusau also commended the Super Eagles players for their strong desire and commitment to qualify 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.”
