Super Eagles Trio Confident Ahead of Crucial Clash with Gabon

Fulham stars Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey, along with winger Samuel Chukwueze, have expressed strong belief in the Super Eagles’ chances of defeating Gabon in Thursday’s vital 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff semifinal in Morocco.

Nigeria will take on the Panthers in a must-win encounter that could bring them closer to qualifying for the World Cup to be hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Speaking ahead of the game, Iwobi urged Nigerians to remain hopeful, assuring fans that the team is fully focused on getting the job done.

“Hopefully we win and get the result we want because the World Cup is the biggest competition, and it would be a shame if Nigeria don’t go,” Iwobi said. “It’s only right that we give our best and show Nigerians that we are ready.”

Defender Calvin Bassey also shared his confidence, admitting that the team had a slow start to the qualifiers but has since regained belief and unity.

“I think we started very slow, but hope has been restored,” Bassey said. “We just have to take the game as it comes. We are Nigeria, a massive nation, and we understand the expectations. Our job now is to stay focused and make sure we get both wins.”

Winger Samuel Chukwueze made a passionate plea to supporters to stand by the team in this crucial moment.

“This is the time we need Nigerian fans,” he said. “This is not the time to criticise or blame anyone. We all want to be at the World Cup, and we promise to give everything on the pitch to make it happen.”

A win for the Super Eagles will see them advance to the playoff final, where they are likely to face the winners of the Cameroon versus DR Congo encounter.