Super Eagles Set To Open Morocco Camp November 9 Ahead Of World Cup Playoffs

30 Oct 2025, 07:33 by Ernest Victor · Naija News

The Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed that the Super Eagles will begin camping in Rabat, Morocco, on Sunday, November 9, ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa playoffs.

The Super Eagles will face Gabon in the semifinal stage, with the winner going up against either Cameroon or DR Congo for a place in the intercontinental playoffs scheduled to take place in Mexico in March 2026. Only one of the four nations will advance.

CAF announced that both semi-finals will be played on Thursday, November 13, while the final will take place on Sunday, November 16, at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in Rabat.

The Super Eagles’ semi-final tie against Gabon is expected to hold at either the 18,000-capacity El-Barid Stadium or the 22,000-capacity Prince Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex.

CAF is expected to conduct a draw later today to determine which stadium hosts each semi-final match.

An NFF source said preparations are already in full gear to ensure the team leaves nothing to chance. “Everything is being done by the NSC and the NFF to see that nothing is left to chance. No stone will be left unturned”, the source said according to Punch.

“That special spirit that saw the team rise to the occasion and score the four goals they actually needed against the Bénin Republic on the final day of the qualifiers will propel the team to victory in the play-offs.”

The official added that communication has already begun with the players.

“The camp will open in Rabat, Morocco on Sunday, November 9. We are already speaking to the players, and everyone is on the same page.

“Every preparation needed to see the team soar to victory will be made, and I believe the players are additionally motivated by that keen desire of every professional footballer to feature at the FIFA World Cup finals,” he said.

The playoff draw was determined using FIFA’s latest world rankings released on October 17, with Nigeria ranked among the best second-placed teams from the qualifying series.

Nine African teams have already qualified automatically for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The upcoming playoffs in Morocco will decide which of the remaining four contenders earns the final ticket to the global stage.