NFF plans early camping in Rabat

Invited players for the 2026 World Cup African playoff billed to hold in Morocco will assemble in that country five days before the November 13 opening game of the competition, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has said.

Nigeria will play their opening game of the playoff against Gabon on November 13 and if they win, they will meet the winner of the second semifinal between Cameroon and Congo DR in the final on November 16.

CAF is expected to announce the stadiums for the games, which will determine Africa’s representative in the inter-confederation playoff next March.
A source at the NFF told The Guardian that the list of players for the playoff will be released late this month, adding that all the players are expected to be in Rabat on November 9, which is five days before the first game, to acclimatise and plan the strategy for the matches.

He said that Coach Eric Chelle has already sent his programme for the playoff to the NFF, who will send out letters to the invited players “any time soon.”

NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, at the weekend, expressed confidence that the Super Eagles will win the playoff in Morocco. Gusau said that preparations for the playoff matches have already begun, adding: “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.”

He emphasised the players’ commitment and determination, noting that they now recognise 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.”

Gusau confirmed that the NFF is receiving full support from the Federal Government and relevant authorities to ensure adequate preparation for the playoff against Gabon.