Official: FIFA Confirms Nigeria’s Place In 2026 World Cup Playoffs

Official: FIFA Confirms Nigeria’s Place In 2026 World Cup Playoffs

Sampson Adedeji

World football governing body, FIFA, has officially confirmed Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoffs, ending all doubts surrounding the Super Eagles’ status, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Nigeria secured their playoff spot after a commanding 4-0 win over the Cheetahs of Benin Republic on the final day of the qualifiers.

In a statement released on Thursday evening via its official website, FIFA listed Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, and DR Congo as the four African nations that will contest for a place in the intercontinental playoffs.

The statement read: “To reach the FIFA Play-Off Tournament in March 2026, four African teams Nigeria, Cameroon, DR Congo, and Gabon will compete in a continental play-off during the next international window in November 2025.”

According to the fixture arrangement, Nigeria will face Gabon in the semi-final clash.

The winner of that tie will take on the victor between Cameroon and DR Congo for the sole African slot at the intercontinental playoffs.

The eventual winner of the mini-tournament will then battle a team from South America, Oceania, or Asia for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.