Advantage Super Eagles: Key Gabon defender ruled out of WCQ playoff

The Super Eagles have received a boost ahead of their crucial 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifying playoff against Gabon as the Panthers will be without one of their key defenders, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

Hafia FC centre-back Mick Omfia will play no part in the matchday squad on November 13, with the 24-year-old suspended for the encounter at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat due to accumulated yellow cards.

Omfia was booked in Gabon's 4–0 victory over Seychelles in September and again in their final group stage fixture against Burundi on October 14, triggering an automatic suspension.

The influential defender has been a mainstay in Thierry Mouyouma's setup in recent months, starting five of Gabon’s last six fixtures since the conclusion of the 2024-25 season. 

During that spell, he played a pivotal role in helping the Panthers keep four clean sheets, underlining his growing importance to the team.

At club level, Omfia has also gained valuable continental experience, featuring in three of Hafia's four matches in this season's CAF Confederation Cup.

Nigeria have selection concerns of their own as Hull City centre-back Semi Ajayi is also suspended for next week's tie after picking up a booking in the Super Eagles' win over the Republic of Benin in October.

Coach Eric Chelle is weighing up whether to call up Ajayi for the November internationals as the defender would once again be available for selection should the Super Eagles advance to the final stage of the playoffs.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: Fegafoot

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