'The pressure is high' - Aghahowa urges Super Eagles to bring their A-game in WCQ playoff v Gabon

Former Super Eagles striker Julius Aghahowa has urged the Nigerian national team to give their all as they prepare for a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff against Gabon in Morocco.

Nigeria has kicked off preparations for the crucial clash against Gabon after opening camp on Sunday, November 9, at the Rive Hotel in Rabat, Morocco.

The Super Eagles camp has continued to grow, with about fourteen players already in camp as the team gets set to begin full training sessions on Thursday ahead of the decisive encounter.

Aghahowa, who represented Nigeria at the 2002 World Cup, emphasized the importance of treating every remaining game as a must-win encounter.

"There are a lot of calculations now that we need to cross to know whether we are going or not. We have to take each game as they come," he told AySuga Channel. 

"The next game has to be the most important game, after that, the next one will be the most important one."

The former Shakhtar Donetsk forward also urged the players to demonstrate full commitment and top physical readiness on the pitch against the Panthers in order to secure a place in the final of the tournament.

"So, every game now we need to win. So, the pressure is high. So everybody invited to come and play in the remaining games, they must bring their A game.”

"They must be fit, ready to sacrifice and be ready to give 120%, if we really want to go to the world cup. 

"That’s the best advice I can give right now. Although I am still optimistic they can eventually qualify."

The Super Eagles booked their place in the playoffs after finishing second in Group C, following a convincing 4-0 win over Benin Republic in Uyo last month.

A win against Gabon will see Nigeria advance to the final, where they are likely to face the winner between DR Congo and Cameroon.

Adeyemi Adewale

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