Sports

2026 WCQ: Bassey declares Super Eagles ready for battle against Gabon

Published

1 month ago

November 13, 2025

134 Views

Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s readiness ahead of their crucial semi-final clash against Gabon in the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs. The match takes place on Thursday in Rabat, Morocco, against Éric Chelle’s Panthers.

The Super Eagles overcame a slow start in the qualifiers to secure their place in the playoffs, and Bassey says the squad is now fully focused on achieving victory.

“I think we started very slow, but hope has been restored. We just have to make sure that we keep going and take the game as it comes. We are Nigeria, a massive nation, and we know there is a lot of expectation and responsibility,” Bassey told Sporty TV.

The encounter, which carries high stakes for both teams, is scheduled to kick off at 5:00 p.m. Nigerian time. Analysts expect a tightly contested match, as Gabon, led by Chelle, have also shown resilience in the qualifiers.

With strong backing from Nigerian supporters both at home and in Morocco, the Super Eagles are aiming to continue their impressive run and book a place in the final stage of the World Cup playoffs. Bassey emphasized that the team is focused on maintaining composure and executing their game plan effectively under the high-pressure environment.

“We understand the expectations of our nation, and the unity and support from our fans give us an extra boost. It’s time to show the world the quality of Nigerian football,” Bassey added.

Tonight’s match is poised to be a defining moment for Nigeria’s World Cup campaign, with both teams vying for a place in the final and a step closer to qualification.

Up Next

CAF announces free e-visas for fans attending AFCON Morocco 2025

Don't Miss

JUST IN: Falconets defeat Ghana in WAFU B opener

Click to comment

Sports

President Tinubu fulfils housing and land pledges to Super Eagles for 2023 AFCON feat

Promise Efoghe, the Media Officer of the Super Eagles told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the documents were presented to the players at the team’s camp in Fes, Morocco, on Monday.

Published

8 hours ago

December 23, 2025

OCHEFA

19 Views

The Federal Government has fulfilled its housing and land pledges to Super Eagles players for their runner-up finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had confirmed that players received certificates for the allocated plots of land and housing units promised by President Bola Tinubu.

Similarly, Promise Efoghe, the Media Officer of the Super Eagles told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the documents were presented to the players at the team’s camp in Fes, Morocco, on Monday.

Nigeria finished second at the tournament, played in 2024, after a 2–1 defeat to hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the final.

On their return, Tinubu hosted the team at the Presidential Villa and conferred the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on each squad member.

The president also approved a plot of land in the Federal Capital Territory and a flat for every player in recognition of their performance.

Sports

AFCON 2025: Today’s Nigeria vs Tanzania

According to sports analyst, though the matchup versus Tanzania looks easy for the Super Eagles on paper, they still need to be cautious especially after they, once again, were edged by Egypt in a buildup friendly to this competition.

Published

9 hours ago

December 23, 2025

OCHEFA

22 Views

• Nigeria vs Tanzania

The Super Eagles of Nigeria, and the Taifa Stars of Tanzania will lock horns today at the ongoing AFCON 2025 in Morocco.

Fixture: Nigeria vs Tanzania

Competition: AFCON 2025(Group C) Date: Tuesday, December 23 2025

Time: 6:30 p.m. (Nigerian time)Venue: Fez Stadium, Fes

Where to Watch: CAF TV

With the remarkable squad at the disposal of Nigeria, headlined by Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi, the match seems a contrast in matchup but Tanzania will have to rely on the brilliance of Simon Msuva and Feisal Salum to threaten the Nigerian defense.

Sports

AFCON 2025 opens with Morocco 2–0 Comoros

Morocco will face Mali in their next group match on Friday. Mali begin their AFCON campaign against Zambia in Casablanca on Monday.

Published

1 day ago

December 22, 2025

OCHEFA

40 Views

• RealMadrid midfielder Díaz

Morocco kicked off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a comfortable 2–0 victory over minnows Comoros in the tournament’s opening match on Sunday in Rabat.

Second-half goals from Brahim Díaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi sealed all three points for the Atlas Lions in a rain-soaked encounter at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

The host nation dominated the first half but were left frustrated when Soufiane Rahimi saw his penalty saved, as the hosts struggled to convert their superiority into goals before the break.

The deadlock was finally broken 10 minutes into the second half when Real Madrid midfielder Díaz fired home from close range, sending the majority of the 60,180-strong crowd into raptures.

The match then opened up, with Comoros forward Rafiki Saïd denied by the legs of goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. At the same time, Noussair Mazraoui forced a fine save from Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor at the other end.

Substitute El Kaabi put the result beyond doubt with a spectacular overhead kick 15 minutes from time, ensuring Walid Regragui’s side lived up to pre-match expectations on a wet and cold night in the Moroccan capital.

Morocco will face Mali in their next group match on Friday. Mali begin their AFCON campaign against Zambia in Casablanca on Monday.