Nigeria’s ambitions to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered a significant setback as two pivotal players, Terem Moffi and Semi Ajayi, are expected to miss the Super Eagles’ vital playoff encounter against Gabon next month, according to Soccernet.ng.
Although the Super Eagles delivered an impressive 4-0 triumph over Benin in Uyo, they narrowly missed out on direct qualification for the World Cup. This outcome has pushed them into the playoff stage alongside Cameroon, DR Congo, and Gabon.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that Nigeria will clash with Gabon on November 13 in Morocco, coinciding with the Cameroon versus DR Congo fixture.
The victors from these matches will then face off three days later, on November 16, to determine which nation will claim Africa’s place in the intercontinental playoffs – the final hurdle before the World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by the USA, Canada, and Mexico in 2026.
For Nigeria, this playoff represents a crucial second chance, yet the path forward is already becoming more complicated.
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Nigeria vs Gabon: Ajayi Suspended, Moffi Out Due to Injury
Reliable Hull City defender Semi Ajayi will be unavailable for the initial playoff match after receiving a second yellow card during the victory over Benin, a sanction that automatically sidelines him for the Gabon fixture.
chelle-questions-super-eagles-fate/” title=”Nigeria vs Benin: 5 Crucial Eric … Questions That Could Shape the Super Eagles' Destiny Against the Cheetahs”>pre-match training of the semi-final game between Nigeria vs South Africa at the 2023 AFCON in Cote D Ivoire. Photo by Adeniyi Muyiwa Buoake Buoake Cote D Ivoire ” width=”750″ height=”500″ />Nonetheless, head coach Eric Chelle is anticipated to include Ajayi in the November squad, hoping that Nigeria advances to the subsequent round where the defender could return to strengthen the defense against either Cameroon or DR Congo.
More concerning for Chelle is the injury to striker Terem Moffi, who sustained a calf strain shortly after rejoining his French club, OGC Nice.
The forward, who appeared briefly as a substitute against Benin, reportedly felt discomfort during a light training session on Thursday.
“Terem was injured this morning during his first training session since returning from international duty. Although it was a light session, he experienced calf pain,” Nice coach Franck Haise told France Bleu, as reported by Rotowire. “He is expected to be sidelined for several weeks. We will have more information tomorrow.”
This injury comes at a critical time for Moffi, who had started Nice’s last three Ligue 1 fixtures and was steadily regaining form after a challenging injury period last season. His absence now paves the way for teammates Kevin Omoruyi and Jeremie Boga to take on more prominent roles at the club.
For coach Chelle, this development may necessitate a strategic adjustment. With Moffi sidelined, the Nigerian manager might turn to alternatives such as Paul Onuachu, Kelechi Iheanacho, or Gift Orban, all of whom have been delivering strong performances for their respective clubs this season.
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