The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) remains optimistic about the Super Eagles' chances of securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite failing to achieve automatic qualification. NFF President Ibrahim Gusau expressed strong belief in the team's ability to navigate the upcoming African playoffs and make the nation proud. Gusau emphasized the inherent quality within the Super Eagles squad, stating, "We believe in the players and their ability to make Nigeria proud, not only on Thursday, but throughout these playoffs. We have a team capable of earning a World Cup ticket."

The Super Eagles are set to face the Gabonese Panthers in the semi-final of the playoffs. This crucial match will take place at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in Rabat on Thursday. Should they emerge victorious from this encounter, they will advance to the final, where they will compete against either the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon or the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo for the coveted World Cup berth.

Preparations for these critical matches were briefly disrupted by an internal pay dispute involving the Super Eagles players. The players refused to train on Tuesday to demand the payment of outstanding bonuses. NFF Technical Director Augustine Eguavoen publicly questioned the timing of this industrial action, acknowledging the players' reasons but asserting that the timing was not ideal. Despite this temporary setback, the issue has since been resolved, and the players returned to training on Wednesday night at the Institut Royal de Formation Des Cadres in Salé, just outside Rabat.

Even with the interruption to their pre-match routine, Eguavoen maintained confidence in the team's resilience and ability to perform under pressure. He stated, "I have faith in them to rise up to the occasion and do the business on Thursday, and afterwards, on Sunday." The semi-final clash against the Gabonese Panthers is scheduled for a 5 pm Nigerian time kick-off on Thursday, as the Super Eagles continue their determined quest for qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.