The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has underlined its seriousness and commitment to ensure Nigeria qualifies for the 2026 mundial by opening camp early for the Super Eagles.
The Football House has confirmed that the Super Eagles will begin their training camp in Rabat, Morocco, on November 9, ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoff campaign four days later.
Nigeria finished second with 17 points in the African World Cup qualifying Group C behind South Africa who picked the sole group ticket for the mundial with 18 points.
Following the adjustments of the points of the top second finishers in each group sequel to the withdrawal of Eritrea, Nigeria emerged one of the four countries that qualified for the play offs to determine Africa’s sole representative at the inter continental play offs.
Agaist this backdrop, Nigeria will drawn against Gabon in the opening semi-final match of the playoffs on November 13, while Cameroon face DR Congo in the second semi final.
The winners of the semi final will then proceed to the final to determine who represents the continent at the global inter continental play offs slated for March 2026,which should be the second chance for an African team to pick a world cup ticket and boost Africa’s representation to 10 teams at the mundial.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed Morocco as host of the continental play offs, which informed the decision of the NFF to camp the Super Eagles in Morocco .
VDCInsights learnt that the list of invited players will be unveiled before the end of the month, while the players are expected to fly direct to Rabatm Morocco for the camping to acclimatize and begin tactical preparations .
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has reportedly submitted a detailed training and preparation program to the NFF, ahead of invitation of players and training camp.
In the meantime, NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau remains upbeat that the Super Eagles will pick the continental play off ticket.
Speaking over the weekend, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau expressed confidence in Nigeria’s chances, pointing out that early planning and government backing were central to the team’s success.
Gusau said “We are aware of the teams we will face, and we are also aware of the venue. As I speak, preparations are already in motion,” and lauded the players for their renewed commitment and focus, pointing out the importance of the World Cup to their careers.
He added “The level of commitment and zeal among the players is incredibly high. For them, this means more than many Nigerians might realise” .
The NFF president also confirmed that the federation is receiving robust support from the Federal Government and other relevant bodies to ensure optimal preparation for the crucial playoff fixtures.
