Former Super Eagles midfielder Garba Lawal in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa expressed optimism that Nigeria will qualify for the FIFA 2026 World Cup after Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle released his list for the playoffs.
Nigeria will face Gabon on Thursday, November 13, and if they get past the Panthers, they will face the winners of the Cameroon and Congo DR fixture.
Chelle, on Saturday, released a 24-man team headed by Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen, captain William Troost-Ekong, and Alex Iwobi from Fulham.
Presenting the #SuperEagles squad for the FIFA World Cup Playoffs in Morocco! #SoarSuperEagles #Naija4TheWin #FIFAWCQ2026 pic.twitter.com/wPD6UKo2KS
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) November 8, 2025
With most of the usual suspects in, there is a recall for Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and Sevilla winger Chidera Ejuke. Semi Ajayi, who is suspended for the Gabon game, is also included with the hope that Nigeria get past Gabon so he can feature in the final playoff fixture.
Lawal, who played for Nigeria at the FIFA 1998 World Cup and the Atlanta Olympics in 1996, feels the squad has enough quality to see Nigeria through.
“I think the list is okay, and we have the quality of players that can help us qualify for the intercontinental playoffs,” the former Roda JC midfielder said exclusively to Footy-Africa. “Since the huge win over Benin, I have had the confidence that the boys will make it, as you can see the fire and desire in their eyes. We have been talking to them and encouraging them to focus on the journey ahead, and we are praying that all of them are fit and ready to go.”
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“We missed the last World Cup, and I do not want us to miss this one, but the players also know this and want to play at the World Cup next year. With this squad, Chelle has done well, and I believe that we will win in Morocco next week and qualify for the next stage,” he added.
Nigeria will face Gabon on Thursday at the Stade Moulay Hassan at 5 p.m. in the opening game of the playoffs, while Cameroon will face off with Congo DR at the Al Barid Stadium at 8 p.m.
The winners of both games will square off to pick Africa’s lone ticket to the intercontinental playoffs that will determine who secures a ticket to the FIFA 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
