The Super Eagles secured a spot in next month’s African Playoffs in Morocco, where they will face Gabon, DR Congo, and Cameroon for a place in the Intercontinental Playoffs scheduled to hold in Mexico. The global playoffs will determine the final two teams from the continent to join the World Cup lineup.
Speaking on the team’s readiness, Gusau said preparations had already begun, with the NFF and government agencies providing full support.
“We have started preparations for the World Cup Playoffs, but the most important thing is the commitment and zeal of the players,” he stated.
“They now understand that going to the World Cup is not just a national goal—it’s vital for their individual careers. The team spirit from our last two matches shows they are ready, so I have no doubt about our qualification.”
The NFF president noted that the government’s backing has been instrumental in ensuring a smooth build-up to the decisive fixtures, expressing optimism that the Super Eagles will advance to the Intercontinental stage.
Gusau also took the opportunity to praise coach Eric Chelle for his performance so far, highlighting his ability to steady the team during a turbulent qualification phase.
“Coach Chelle has justified his appointment by winning four out of six World Cup qualifiers,” Gusau said. “Had we achieved anything close to that earlier, we would not be in this position today.”
Chelle, who took charge of the Super Eagles earlier this year, has overseen an impressive turnaround marked by improved discipline, tactical balance, and renewed confidence among the players.
As Nigeria prepares for the crucial playoff battles in Morocco, Gusau reaffirmed that both the federation and the team are united in their determination to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup—set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.