Gabonese forward Royce Openda has described his surprise and excitement after receiving his first-ever senior national team call-up for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off against Nigeria.

The young striker, who plays for Girondins de Bordeaux’s National 2 side, has been in fine form recently, providing the decisive assist in his team’s recent victory over Locminé — a performance that helped extend Bordeaux’s impressive run of results.

Speaking to Forever, Openda admitted that he never expected a call-up at this stage of his career, given that he currently plays in the French fourth division.

“I didn’t expect to be called up to the Gabonese national team, since we’re in the National 2 division, even though it’s with Girondins de Bordeaux,” Openda said. “This is my first call-up to the senior squad, even though I played for all the youth teams.”

Having represented Gabon across all youth levels, the 21-year-old sees this selection as a major milestone — the culmination of years of hard work and steady progression.

Openda expressed both humility and determination as he prepared to link up with the senior squad, emphasizing his desire to learn and contribute to the team’s success.

“It’s a new and exciting chapter,” he added. “I’m proud and ready to give my best for the national team.”

For the promising forward, the call-up not only marks a personal breakthrough but also a moment of pride for Gabonese football, as the Panthers gear up for a decisive showdown with the Super Eagles of Nigeria in Rabat, Morocco.

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The Super Eagles’ camp in Rabat, Morocco, is beginning to buzz with activity as players arrive ahead of Thursday’s crucial FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off clash against Gabon.

Early arrivals in camp include Fulham FC stars Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze, who were among the first to report for national duty.

Also already settled in are Wilfred Ndidi, recently named vice-captain of Turkish side Beşiktaş, Tolu Arokodare of Genk, and Olakunle Olusegun, who plies his trade with FC Krasnodar in Russia.

The team’s technical crew and backroom staff arrived earlier to make logistical and tactical preparations for the decisive encounter, ensuring a smooth start to the training sessions scheduled for Monday evening.

Nigeria will face Gabon on Thursday in the first of two semi-final fixtures in the CAF-organised World Cup play-off tournament.

The winner over two legs will progress to the Intercontinental Play-offs in March 2026 — the final hurdle toward qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Team officials say more players are expected in Rabat by Monday night, with full training expected to commence on Tuesday morning.

The Super Eagles will focus on fine-tuning their tactical shape, fitness, and set-piece routines under the supervision of head coach Eric Chelle, who has emphasized discipline, intensity, and unity in camp.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that all travel and camp arrangements have been finalised, with morale high among players and officials as the team seeks to secure an early advantage against a competitive Gabonese side.

The Super Eagles are expected to hold a closed-door session on Wednesday before Thursday’s play-off, which will be staged at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

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Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has expressed strong optimism and unity within the Nigerian camp as the team prepares for this week’s FIFA World Cup Play-offs in Morocco, where they will begin their quest to secure a ticket to the Intercontinental Play-offs slated for March 2026.

The team is expected to assemble in Rabat on Monday. Ndidi, recently appointed vice-captain of Turkish giants Beşiktaş, said the team is focused, confident, and ready to confront the challenge head-on as the journey to the next World Cup intensifies.

“The strength of the team lies in our pace and power in transition, creativity in wide areas, and a solid spine,” Ndidi told journalists. “We also have depth — players who can come in and change the game. When we’re connected and intense, we’re dangerous.”

While confident in Nigeria’s quality, the midfielder stressed that the players remain fully aware of the unpredictable nature of knockout football.

“With unity and discipline, we believe we can do it,” he said. “We respect every opponent. Play-offs come down to fine margins, not reputation. Our focus is on preparation — sharp training, good recovery, and executing the game plan. If we do that, our quality will shine through.”

The Leicester City alumnus, who has been one of Nigeria’s most consistent performers over the past decade, said the squad’s mindset is built on humility and professionalism.

“As a team, we want to qualify while staying respectful of the task,” Ndidi continued. “We’ll prepare well, give everything, and maintain our humility.”

Reflecting on lessons from the qualification journey so far, the Super Eagles vice-captain emphasized attention to detail and discipline as key takeaways.

“We’ve learned to respect the details — game management, set pieces, recovery, and discipline without the ball. Trusting the process, sticking to simple, clear roles, and keeping the team spirit high are key,” he explained.

Ndidi also acknowledged the psychological and physical challenges that accompany high-stakes fixtures.

“We must manage pressure, handle away environments, and stay focused for the full 90 minutes,” he said. “Fatigue is a factor with travel and tight schedules, so recovery and squad rotation are crucial.”

To the Super Eagles’ passionate global fanbase, Ndidi offered a message of assurance and commitment.

“Expect commitment, organization, and intensity,” he promised. “We want to be difficult to play against, control key moments, and show courage when it matters most. The promise we can make is effort and togetherness.”

Nigeria will face Gabon in Rabat in their first play-off fixture, as head coach Eric Chelle leads the Super Eagles into what is expected to be a fiercely contested route toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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