This is a setback for Nigeria’s hopes of competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Key players Terem Moffi and Semi Ajayi will not be able to play in next month’s pivotal playoff match against Gabon, as reported by Soccernet on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
The Super Eagles beat Benin Republic 4-0 at Uyo, however they weren’t able to qualify for the World Cup just because. Now it’s a race for one of Africa’s playoff slots.
The CAF has now announced that the 13th of November will see Nigeria take on Gabon in Morocco, with Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo also competing that day.
The intercontinental playoffs will be decided three days later, on November 16, when the champions of both matches will meet. To qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the United States, Canada, and Mexico will co-host, you must complete this stage.
But the road to redemption for Nigeria has already encountered obstacles. My husband expressed his remorse before he passed away. I wanted to know what I should have asked for. I’ll show you. After That, This Occurred Tales from Taboola’s book Links with Ads Reliable Centre back for Hull City Semi After receiving a second yellow card in the victory against Benin, Ajayi will not be able to play in the match against Gabon.
An automatic suspension was triggered by the booking. Even though he isn’t physically present, Ajayi will likely be a part of head coach Eric Chelle’s team. If Nigeria advances to the next round, he stands a chance to see his centre back play again, this time against either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The unfortunate injury that striker Terem Moffi suffered has only made Chelle’s problems worse. Reportedly, the OGC Nice forward hurt his calf in a brief workout the day after getting back to his French club. After missing much of the season due to injury, Moffi started Nice’s last three Ligue 1 matches and came on as a late substitute in their encounter against Benin.
With him out of the lineup, his club’s forwards Kevin Omoruyi and Jeremie Boga will likely see more playing time, which may hurt Nigeria’s offensive possibilities. Playoff match in Morocco is more than just a game—it’s a battle to preserve Nigeria’s World Cup aspirations. But with two key players already out, the path to North America got much more treacherous.
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