Nigeria vs Gabon: 2013 AFCON hero mentions key ingredient Super Eagles need for WCQ playoffs

Former Super Eagles star Sunday Mba said that Nigeria had to maintain the same fight and spirit they showed against Benin Republic, if they are to successfully navigate the World Cup qualifier playoffs. 

Nigeria struggled in the beginning of the World Cup qualifiers, but a strong finish under Eric Chelle's tutelage, culminating in a 4-0 victory over the Benin Republic, in which the Super Eagles scored the exact number of goals required, qualified them for the playoffs. 

Nigeria will play Gabon in the first playoffs. Victory against the Panthers will then see Chelle's side face the winner in the second playoffs match between Cameroon and DR Congo. 

If Nigeria win both matches, they will then proceed to the Intercontinental playoffs, where they will face representatives from other continents vying for two World Cup slots. 

The 2013 AFCON hero believes Nigeria have the quality to scale through but insisted that they had to show the same fighting spirit they exhibited against the Cheetahs. 

“Let's bring that same spirit from the last game against Benin,” Mba said, per AY Shuga. “If we have that same spirit, we will qualify. But if anything should happen to that spirit, it's shaky. That's a perfect spirit. That's the spirit we need now because we are in a tight corner.” 

The Super Eagles are scheduled to play Gabon on the 13th of November, and fans of the team share similar sentiments as Mba, as they hope the team will carry the same sense of urgency as they did against Gernot Rohr's side.