I have no doubt — 2013 AFCON winner gives reason Super Eagles will beat Gabon and win playoffs

Former Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has expressed confidence that Nigeria will make it through the playoffs and qualify for the 2026 World Cup. 

Eric Chelle's side had an abysmal start to the qualifying campaign. However, they finished strongly and managed to make the playoffs, where they will compete against three other African teams for a chance to advance to the Intercontinental playoff. 

In an interview with Footy Africa, Onazi explained that momentum was now on Nigeria’s side, and he expected them to carry the energy into the playoff.

“I believe the team will qualify because of recent events. There were a lot of doubts in the minds of Nigerians, but this has given us another chance at qualification,” the 2013 AFCON winner said. 

“A lot went wrong at the start of the qualifiers, but now, with the passion and determination the team has shown, you can see they understand what it means to play at the World Cup. The players have shown commitment, and I believe that drive will take them through.”

Nigeria will face Gabon in the first playoff game. Victory against the high-flying Panthers will see them advance to face either Cameroon or DR Congo. 

Onazi admitted that the match would be tough, citing Gabon's incredible record in the group stages, in which they finished as the best second-placed team. 

“It will not be an easy game because Gabon had an almost flawless qualification campaign with very good points,” continued. 

“We must approach the match carefully. Football has evolved, and the Gabonese will be a tough side to face. I believe we can beat them, but the players must treat it like a World Cup or AFCON final.”

He then urged all relevant stakeholders to support the team, calling on Nigerian fans and also the Nigerian Football Federation to ensure the team get all the help they need. 

“Everyone, the players, the administrators, and even the fans must be on the same page. With that collective support, I’m sure the team will make Nigerians proud and qualify.”

“We missed the last World Cup, and I don’t want us to miss another. If the players keep the same passion I saw against Benin, I have no doubt we’ll make it.”