Nigeria's World Cup Hopes Take Hit: Moffi and Ajayi Out of Gabon Playoff

Nigeria’s chances of competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been dealt a significant blow as two key players, Terem Moffi and Semi Ajayi, will miss the crucial playoff match against Gabon next month.

The Super Eagles secured a convincing 4-0 win over Benin Republic in Uyo, but fell short of automatic qualification for the World Cup, forcing them into the playoffs alongside Cameroon, DR Congo, and Gabon.

According to reports, Semi Ajayi will be suspended for the Gabon match after picking up a second yellow card in the Benin game, while Terem Moffi has suffered a calf injury, ruling him out for several weeks.

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Head coach Eric Chelle is expected to retain Ajayi in the squad, hoping Nigeria advances to the next round where the centre-back could return to reinforce the backline against either Cameroon or DR Congo.

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Moffi’s absence opens up opportunities for Kevin Omoruyi and Jeremie Boga to feature more prominently for OGC Nice, but Chelle may look to call on Paul Onuachu, Kelechi Iheanacho, or Gift Orban to fill the gap.

The playoff match against Gabon is scheduled for November 13 in Morocco, with the winners meeting the champions of the Cameroon-DR Congo match on November 16 to decide Africa’s representative in the intercontinental playoff round

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Nigeria’s World Cup Hopes Take Hit: Moffi and Ajayi Out of Gabon Playoff

Nigeria’s chances of competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been dealt a significant blow as two key players, Terem Moffi and Semi Ajayi, will miss the crucial playoff match against Gabon next month.

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Kamsiyochukwu Mbamalu

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