Nigeria: Super Eagles hit by double setback ahead of crucial playoff vs Gabon

Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup have taken an early hit as two key players, Terem Moffi and Semi Ajayi, are set to miss the Super Eagles’ crucial playoff clash against Gabon next month, Soccernet.ng reports.

Despite a convincing 4–0 win over Benin in Uyo, the Super Eagles fell short of automatic qualification for the World Cup, forcing them into the playoffs alongside Cameroon, DR Congo and Gabon.

CAF has confirmed that Nigeria will face Gabon on November 13 in Morocco, the same day Cameroon meet DR Congo.

The winners of both ties will meet three days later, on November 16, to decide which team earns Africa’s spot in the intercontinental playoffs; a final gateway to the World Cup jointly hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico in 2026.

For Nigeria, it’s a lifeline. But one that has already begun to fray.

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Nigeria vs Gabon: Ajayi suspended, Moffi injured

Dependable Hull City centre-back Semi Ajayi will miss the first playoff after picking up a second yellow card in the win over Benin, a booking that automatically rules him out of the Gabon tie.

However, head coach Eric Chelle is expected to still name the defender in his November squad, hoping Nigeria progress to the next round where Ajayi could return to reinforce the backline against either Cameroon or DR Congo.

More troubling for Chelle is the loss of striker Terem Moffi, who suffered a calf injury just a day after returning to his French club, OGC Nice.

The forward, who featured as a late substitute against Benin, reportedly pulled up during a light training session on Thursday.

“Terem was injured this morning. It was his first training session since returning from international duty. It was a light session, but he felt pain in his calf,” Nice coach Franck Haise told France Bleu as per Rotowire. “He will probably be out for several weeks. We’ll know more tomorrow.”

The setback is untimely for Moffi, who had started Nice’s last three Ligue 1 matches and was regaining rhythm after a frustrating injury spell last season. His absence now opens the door for Kevin Omoruyi and Jeremie Boga to feature more prominently for the French club.

For Chelle, the blow could force a tactical rethink. With Moffi sidelined, the Nigerian boss may look to call on Paul Onuachu, Kelechi Iheanacho, or Gift Orban, all of whom have been in fine form for their clubs this season.