Football, FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers CAF Play-Offs: Samuel Chukwueze, Semi Ajayi and Nigeria embark on the long route to North America
Nigeria’s road to the FIFA World Cup, via Morocco
Nigeria needed a big win on the final matchday against Benin to reach the continental play-offs, and from hereon, the route to 2026 does not ease up. More competition, and teams just as determined to book their spots in North America.
Should Nigeria beat Gabon and triumph in the subsequent CAF play-off final three days later, they will advance to the six-team FIFA Play-Off Tournament in March 2026.
They would likely be seeded (reserved for the two-highest ranked teams), skip the semi-finals and advance to the finals, where the winners of the two final matches qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
Pressure there may be, though Chukwueze is full of belief. It has been a season of limited gametime, having made one appearance for Italian giants Milan before being sent on loan to English Premier League side Fulham, making five substitute cameos. Now the aim turns to delivering for his nation and moving closer to the World Cup.
The 26-year-old said of the transition between club and international football, “It’s not actually difficult, because when you play in your club and you come to your country, you’re so happy to play for your country.
“There are so many people that want to be where you are, because Nigeria have so many fantastic players playing around the whole world. So if they call upon you, that shows that you have been working hard. You have to fight for every moment, you have to show them why you deserve to be there.”
It is by no means an easy path – another four matches potentially lie in store for Chelle’s side – yet it is one that the African giants cannot miss out on, at the risk of consecutive absences from the football finals. All attention turns to Rabat, where one nation will move within touching distance of the FIFA World Cup.
