The Digest:
Nigeria's path to the 2026 World Cup has been mapped through a challenging playoff route that will see the Super Eagles face Gabon in a single-elimination semifinal, with Cameroon and DR Congo completing the quartet of African giants fighting for one final continental ticket.
Key Points:
- Nigeria secured a playoff spot despite a 4-0 win over Benin, finishing second to South Africa
- Victor Osimhen's hat-trick and Frank Onyeka's late goal proved crucial for the goal difference
- Super Eagles edged Burkina Faso on goal difference after discarding results against sixth-placed teams
- Nigeria will face Gabon in the semifinal on November 13 in Morocco as the highest-ranked team
- Cameroon and DR Congo will contest the other semifinal on the same day
- Winners meet in final on November 16 for Africa's final World Cup slot
- The playoff champion advances to the inter-confederation playoffs in March 2026
- Nine African nations have already qualified directly as group winners
Sources: Soccernet
