The Super Eagles are in intensive preparation for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs, navigating both player injury setbacks and proactive financial and logistical strategies. The team's head coach, Eric Chelle, faces a significant challenge with star player Cyriel Dessers sidelined due to an ankle injury.

Cyriel Dessers, initially selected for Nigeria's October qualifying matches, was forced to withdraw after failing to recover from an ankle injury sustained during Panathinaikos' Europa League fixture against Young Boys. Subsequent medical evaluations have indicated the injury is more severe than initially thought, potentially ruling him out for at least a month. This recovery timeline effectively makes his inclusion for Nigeria's key playoff match against Gabon in November highly unlikely. Dessers had recently become a regular in the Super Eagles squad, playing two World Cup qualifiers and scoring one goal against South Africa. While there is a slim possibility of his return for his club in a derby against PAOK just four days before the Super Eagles' game, his lack of match fitness would pose a significant gamble for Coach Chelle.

In response to the high stakes, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that the Super Eagles will assemble in Morocco on November 9, five days ahead of their opening match. This early camp aims to allow the players to acclimatise and plan their strategy for the decisive fixtures. Nigeria is scheduled to face Gabon in their first playoff game on November 13. A victory would see them advance to the final on November 16, where they would play the winner of the other semifinal between Cameroon and Congo DR. The ultimate victor of this playoff will secure Africa's coveted spot in the inter-confederation playoff, slated for March of next year. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is expected to announce the specific venues for these matches soon, and the squad list for these important fixtures will be made public later this month.

Further demonstrating Nigeria's commitment, urgent efforts are underway to resolve financial issues surrounding the Super Eagles. The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, reportedly met Franco-Malian coach Eric Chelle's agent, Abraham Brehima Sidibe, to discuss a renegotiated qualification bonus and ensure all outstanding money due to Coach Chelle is paid immediately. This proactive financial intervention, which took place in Lagos, aims to prevent monetary issues from distracting the team and allow Chelle to focus entirely on the tactical challenges ahead.

The Super Eagles secured their playoff spot with a commanding 4-0 win against the Benin Republic, inspired by a clinical Victor Osimhen hat-trick and a goal from Frank Onyeka. This comprehensive victory revived hopes for the three-time African champions, who missed out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Coach Chelle, appointed earlier this year, has been credited with galvanising the squad, injecting a new energy that was evident in that dominant display. The renewed focus on the team's finances also includes a plan to negotiate a fresh bonus package for the Super Eagles players themselves to motivate them for these high-stakes games.

NFF President Ibrahim Gusau expressed strong confidence in the team's ability to emerge victorious in Morocco, stating that preparations have already begun. He highlighted the players' renewed focus and determination, emphasizing their understanding of the importance of the World Cup for their careers. Gusau also affirmed that the NFF is receiving comprehensive support from the Federal Government and other relevant authorities to ensure the team is fully prepared. With the stakes this high in a single-elimination mini-tournament, ensuring a fully focused and motivated squad is paramount for Nigeria to achieve a 2026 World Cup berth.