Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has issued a stern warning to Nigeria’s national team ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off against Gabon, urging the players to approach the match with maximum intensity and respect.

Speaking on The Obi Podcast Channel, the Chelsea legend emphasized the danger of complacency, reminding the squad that Gabon is no walkover.

“Go into that game and play like this is the last game you will ever play in your life… The mistake we are going to make is to think it’s just Gabon, then we are done completely.”

Nigeria’s Path to the Play-Offs


  • Group C finish: 2nd place with 17 points, one behind South Africa

  • Last match: 4–0 win over Benin (Osimhen hat-trick, Onyeka goal)

  • Next opponent: Gabon (Play-Off – Thursday, Nov 13)

  • Venue: Rabat, Morocco

  • Training base: Rive Hotel grounds
What’s at Stake

Victory over Gabon would send Nigeria to the final round of CAF play-offs, where they could face DR Congo or Cameroon for a spot in the final round of  intercontinental showdown against confederations representatives of AFC, UEFA and CONCACAF, to secure the 2026 FIFA World Cup in USA, Canada, and Mexico.

“300 million people, that’s a lot of pressure… but I believe in them,” Mikel added, rallying support behind the green-white-green.