The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that the Super Eagles will open camp on Monday, November 10, in preparation for their make-or-break 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoffs, Soccernet.ng reports.
The camp, which will be based in Morocco, marks the beginning of Nigeria’s final push to reach the global showpiece after narrowly missing out on automatic qualification.
The NFF confirmed the date on Monday (today), noting that the team will immediately begin tactical and fitness sessions upon arrival.
Nigeria, one of four African teams to reach the playoff round, will face Gabon, while Cameroon and DR Congo will meet in the other fixture. Both encounters are scheduled for November 13, with the winners to clash on November 16 to decide Africa’s sole representative in next year’s intercontinental playoffs.
The Super Eagles, who last featured at the World Cup in 2018, are determined to avoid back-to-back misses after their painful absence from the 2022 Qatar edition.
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Super Eagles: Injuries, key returns, and the road ahead
Nigeria’s preparations have not been without setbacks. Several key players, including Ola Aina, Felix Agu, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Cyriel Dessers, are nursing injuries that could rule them out of the trip to Morocco.
Head coach Eric Chelle, however, remains optimistic. The Franco-Malian tactician is expected to name a strong squad anchored by Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, and the in-form Akor Adams. In defence, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, and rising star Benjamin Fredrick are also set to feature.
Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is tipped to make his long-awaited return after a two-month suspension. The Udinese shot-stopper has been in impressive form in Serie A, and his return adds much-needed experience to Nigeria’s backline.
Historically, Nigeria hold the upper hand against Gabon, having won five, drawn three, and lost only once in nine meetings.
But the Panthers, inspired by legendary forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, have grown in confidence in recent years and are expected to provide a tough challenge.
With the opening of camp now confirmed, attention turns to how quickly Chelle can mould a cohesive unit amid fitness worries. The next two weeks will define whether Nigeria’s journey back to the World Cup stays alive or ends before it begins.
