2026 FIFAWCQ: Garba Lawal cautions Super Eagles ahead of Gabon showdown in playoffs
31st October 2025
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set for a critical test in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification journey, as they face Gabon in the opening semi-final of the CAF mini-tournament on Wednesday, November 13, 2025, at El Barid Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
This four-team playoff — featuring Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon, and DR Congo — will determine Africa’s 10th and final representative at the expanded World Cup. The final will be held on Sunday, November 16 at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium.
Former Nigeria international Garba Lawal has cautioned against underestimating Gabon:
“It’s very tough… Even if you win the CAF Intercontinental stage, you must make sure you win the global one. It’s not a small task at all.”
“I don’t write Gabon off; they are a very good team and well organized.”
Lawal’s comments reflect the growing competitiveness of African football, where tactical discipline and team cohesion are as vital as individual talent.
Nigeria’s preparations have been hit by injuries to five senior players, including Terem Moffi, Felix Agu, Ola Aina, Cyriel Dessers, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, all ruled out of the Gabon clash. This leaves Victor Osimhen, who scored a hat-trick against Benin in the final group match, as a key figure in attack.
The winner of the final will advance to the FIFA Intercontinental Play-Off Tournament in March 2026, where they’ll face a team from Asia, South America, or Oceania for a place at the World Cup in Canada, USA, and Mexico.