Mikel Obi also encouraged Eric Chelle’s men to wear the Nigerian green and white jersey with pride.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Pundit and former Nigeria captain, John Mikel Obi, has said the Super Eagles must approach their match against Gabon with confidence, bravery, and passion, if they want to reach the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff.
He gave the advice to the Nigerian team recently while hosting the latest episode of the ‘Obi One’ Podcast.
Nigeria and Gabon will compete for a place in the final of the CAF World Cup playoff at the 22,000-capacity Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, on Thursday.
The winner of the encounter will face the winner of the semi-final between Cameroon and DR Congo in the final on Sunday.
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The victorious team will then advance to the Inter-confederation Playoff for a spot at the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Speaking ahead of the crucial match, Mikel Obi urged the Super Eagles’ players to don the green and white jersey with pride.
He also identified qualities that would ensure they book their place in the next round of the playoff, stressing that he knows it’s a tough challenge.
While analysing the match, the former Chelsea midfielder said, “Go in the game, play as we should, with full confidence, bravery, and passion, knowing you’re wearing the green white green, the badge of that green white green is huge.
“300 million people, that is a lot of pressure, but you have to deal with it. I know they can do it, and I believe in them.”
