Super Eagles legend John Obi Mikel has pinpointed four key players who must deliver standout performances for Nigeria to overcome Gabon in the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff match.
Mikel's Crucial Player Selection
The former Chelsea midfielder, who captained Nigeria at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, emphasized that Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and William Troost-Ekong hold the key to victory when the Super Eagles face the Panthers on November 13 in Morocco.
Speaking on his Obi One Podcast, Mikel expressed confidence that if the team replicates their dominant 4-0 victory over Benin, defeating Gabon should be straightforward. "I hope we can get Victor Osimhen again to be on his game the way he did in the last game by scoring a hat-trick," he stated.
Experience from 2018 World Cup Campaign
Mikel highlighted that the four players he mentioned - Troost-Ekong, Iwobi, Ndidi, and Chidozie Awaziem - were all part of the 2018 World Cup squad under his captaincy. This experience, he believes, makes them essential for guiding the current team through the high-pressure playoff scenario.
"The whole team needs to perform, not just Victor, not just put the whole weight on Victor," Mikel cautioned. "We need other players to step up, Alex Iwobi to step up, to create chances, score goals. He's the number 10. That's what he's there for."
Road to World Cup Qualification
Nigeria's journey to this playoff came after a disappointing group stage performance that forced them to take the longer qualification route. The team's revival under coach Eric Chelle secured their playoff position, but the challenge remains formidable.
The Super Eagles are currently camped at Rive Hotel in Rabat, Morocco, chosen for its proximity to both training facilities and the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium where the match will be played.
Mikel stressed the importance of leadership, particularly from captain William Troost-Ekong: "We need the captain to be able to marshal the defence, to tell the players what it means, experienced players like Ndidi."
The Chelsea legend concluded with a stark warning, stating that it would be a significant disgrace for such a talented group of players to miss two consecutive World Cups. Nigeria must first overcome Gabon, then face the winner of the Cameroon versus Democratic Republic of Congo tie before advancing to the intercontinental playoff.
