Nigeria defender Calvin Bassey confident ahead of World Cup playoff

Nigeria defender Calvin Bassey has expressed confidence ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon on Thursday.

The Super Eagles missed out on automatic World Cup qualification following an inconsistent performance in the main qualifiers, but managed to secure a playoff spot.

The African playoff structure sees Nigeria face Gabon at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in Rabat on November 13, whiles Cameroon takes on DR Congo in a high-stake clash. The winners will compete on November 16 for a spot in the intercontinental playoffs.

As the Super Eagles gears up for the crucial playoff, Bassey, who plies his trade for Fulham affirmed morale and belief of the team has been restored within the squad, while acknowledging their slow start to the main qualifiers.

“I think we started very slow, but now hope has been restored. We just have to keep going and take the game as it comes. We are Nigeria — a massive nation — and we understand the expectations and responsibility that come with representing the Super Eagles,” Bassey said.

The Super Eagles finished second in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers, just behind South Africa. Their only remaining route to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is to secure the final African qualification slot through the playoff stages.

Nigeria will hope to maintain their 36-year unbeaten streak against Gabon as both teams fight for a spot in the final round of the World Cup playoffs.