2026 WCQ playoffs: Peterside warns Super Eagles about ‘rising’ Gabon

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Idah Peterside, has issued a warning to Eric Chelle’s side ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off clash with Gabon in November.

Peterside noted that Gabon are an emerging force in African football, much like Cape Verde, who have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup.

Both Nigeria and Gabon are set to meet in the play-offs after failing to secure automatic qualification.

Speaking with Soccer Beat, Peterside urged the Super Eagles to assert their superiority and demonstrate that they remain one of the continent’s footballing giants.

“The playoffs are going to be challenging. We have been paired with Gabon [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang and his team; it shows that they are rising just like Cape Verde,” the retired goalkeeper said.

“They are proving that they are rising, but we are superpowers; we should be able to prove to Gabon that we are a better team and a big name.”