Super Eagles to Open Camp in Rabat Ahead of 2026 World Cup Playoffs — Time for Nigeria to Rise Again

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that the Super Eagles will officially open camp on Sunday, November 9, in Rabat, Morocco, ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs.

Head coach Eric Chelle is expected to release his final squad list next week, as Nigeria prepares for an all-important showdown in the mini-tournament.

The Super Eagles will battle Gabon’s Panthers in the semi-final on Thursday, November 13, with the winner set to face either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo in the final.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is also scheduled to conduct a draw later today (Thursday) to determine the venues for both semi-final and final fixtures. Two top venues — El Barid Stadium and Prince Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex, both in Rabat — have already been lined up as potential hosts.

💭 Opinion: This Is More Than a Game — It’s a Chance for Redemption

For the Super Eagles, this playoff isn’t just another tournament — it’s a moment of truth. A chance to remind Africa, and indeed the world, of Nigeria’s footballing DNA: passion, resilience, and excellence.

After a rollercoaster qualifying campaign that tested both patience and belief, the team now stands just two matches away from keeping the 2026 World Cup dream alive. The task may look simple on paper, but in football, nothing is guaranteed — especially against teams like Gabon and Cameroon, who have proven to be stubborn and unpredictable opponents.

Coach Eric Chelle has a golden opportunity here — not just to qualify, but to restore confidence in a squad that has at times looked disjointed and uninspired. This camp in Rabat will be more than a physical preparation; it will be a mental reset.

The Super Eagles have the talent — from Victor Osimhen’s hunger, to Ademola Lookman’s creativity, to Wilfred Ndidi’s leadership — but what Nigeria needs most is unity and discipline.

Fans have waited long enough. It’s time for the Eagles to soar again, to remind the continent that when Nigeria takes flight, football feels different — more electric, more alive. 🇳🇬🦅⚽