Former Super Eagles assistant coach Simon Kalika has backed Nigeria to beat Gabon in Thursday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff semi-final, if manager Eric Chelle gets his tactics right, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria’s clash with the Panthers in Rabat is a defining moment for a team desperate to reclaim its place on the global stage after missing out on Qatar 2022.
Kalika believes the Super Eagles’ quality is beyond doubt. What remains, he says, is for Chelle and the Nigeria Football Federation to provide the right structure and calm.
Photo by Nsidibe Akpan Copyright: xxIMAGO
“If the Super Eagles play up to their full potential, Gabon will be in trouble,” Kalika told Completesports.com.
“They will be beaten 4-0 or 5-0 if the Super Eagles play well. It’s not about the players now, because Nigeria has them in abundance. It’s about the tactics and organisation of the team, which is the manager’s responsibility.”
Kalika, who assisted Samson Siasia during the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup in the Netherlands and the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, added:
“I know the players want to go to the World Cup. Nigeria has the quality and the potential. If the Federation (NFF) and the manager get their acts together, I believe the Super Eagles can beat Gabon 4-0 or 5-0.”
Nigeria qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup with a game to spare. The Super Eagles have failed to reach the global showpiece since then after stumbling at the playoff hurdle in the race to Qatar 2022.
The three-time African champions, have a rich pedigree though, having qualified for six of the last eight editions of the World Cup. Gabon are fighting to make their first appearance at the Mundial.
Kick-off is set for 5pm Nigerian time, with Rabat hosting what could be one of Nigeria’s most consequential matches in years.
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Turbulent journey to the World Cup for Super Eagles
It has been a chaotic road to this point for Nigeria. At one stage, the Super Eagles’ chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup seemed all but gone.
A sluggish start to the campaign and inconsistent form left fans disillusioned. But a late rally saw Nigeria snatch second place in Group C, edging out Benin Republic on the final day to reach the playoffs as one of Africa’s best runners-up.
Now, they must first overcome Gabon before potentially facing the winner of the other semi-final between Cameroon and DR Congo. Only one of these nations will make it to the intercontinental playoff tournament in March, the last gateway to North America 2026.
Yet, Nigeria’s build-up to this crucial tie has been anything but smooth. With less than 48 hours to the match, the squad refused to train over unpaid bonuses in a tense standoff with the NFF. Though the issue was resolved on Wednesday, questions remain over whether Chelle’s men have had enough time to perfect their tactical blueprint.
The Super Eagles were absent from Qatar 2022, and the pressure to avoid another World Cup heartbreak is immense. Qualification feels non-negotiable for a country of Nigeria’s pedigree.
But to get there, Chelle’s men must rediscover their swagger and heed Kalika’s words.
Against a confident Gabonese side, Nigeria’s World Cup hopes hang on the fine balance of preparation, strategy, and belief.