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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Gabon’s young defender Jonathan Do Marcolino has expressed immense pride and determination after receiving his first-ever call-up to the Panthers’ national team, ahead of next week’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off against Nigeria in Rabat, Morocco.

The Lens-born defender, who previously represented France at U17 level, said his inclusion by head coach Thierry Mouyouma marked the fulfilment of a lifelong dream to wear the Gabonese colours.

“I’m not surprised because I’m a competitor and I’ve always wanted to represent my country,” Do Marcolino told L’Union. “It’s something I’ve dreamt of since I was very young. To be here now, preparing to play for Gabon in the World Cup qualifiers, is an exceptional moment that will forever be etched in my memory.”

The 20-year-old, who plays his club football in France, said he feels no emotional conflict about choosing Gabon over France despite his European roots.

“I have no emotional conflict,” he said firmly. “I was born in Lens, but both my father and mother are Gabonese. I am first and foremost Gabonese by blood.”

Known for his physical presence and defensive composure, Do Marcolino described himself as a player who thrives in one-on-one duels and brings discipline to the back line.

“My main strength lies in duels. I am a rigorous defender — to put it simply,” he explained.

As Gabon prepares to face Nigeria in what promises to be a fiercely contested play-off, the young defender is determined to justify his selection and win the hearts of fans back home.

“I will repay the technical staff and the Gabonese public for the trust they have placed in me,” he concluded confidently.

Do Marcolino’s debut could add youthful energy to Gabon’s defence as the Panthers aim to secure a historic World Cup appearance — but standing in their path is a battle-hardened Super Eagles side equally desperate to return to football’s grandest stage.

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Gabon coach Thierry Mouyouma has taken a bold step toward rejuvenating the national team, calling up nine players aged 23 and under for the Panthers’ crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off against Nigeria in Rabat, Morocco.

The youthful inclusion underlines Mouyouma’s long-term vision of building a new generation capable of taking over from the country’s golden veterans, many of whom are approaching the twilight of their international careers.

Since taking charge in October 2023, Mouyouma has made it clear that one of his primary missions is to blend experience with youth — and his latest selection shows that process is accelerating.

Among the newcomers are Jonathan Do Marcolino and Loyce Openda, two promising talents representing the Gabonese diaspora. They join a growing list of young prospects such as Lukas Mounguenou, Bryan Meyo, and Teddy Andami Averlant, all unearthed through Mouyouma’s extensive scouting work in Europe.

The recruitment drive, carried out in partnership with Dieudonné Londo, the Panthers’ general manager, and Fabrice Do Marcolino, the European referent, has begun to reshape the team’s dynamics — infusing fresh energy and intensifying competition for starting spots.

“The integration of these young players is part of a long-term plan,” a Gabon FA insider explained. “Coach Mouyouma wants to ensure continuity and competitiveness as the older players gradually transition out.”

That transition, however, will not be immediate. Gabon still relies heavily on experienced stars like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mario Lemina, Didier Ndong, Guelor Kanga, and Denis Bouanga, many of whom could call time on their international careers after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The internal competition is already producing results. Jacques Ekomie, for example, has displaced long-time left-back Johan Obiang, while Michel Mboula, Mick Kila Onfia, and Roddy Effaghe have impressed during recent AFCON and World Cup qualifying campaigns.

For Mouyouma, this is not just about rebuilding — it’s about renewal with purpose. As Gabon prepares to face Nigeria in the high-stakes play-off, the Panthers’ evolving mix of youth and experience could mark the dawn of a new chapter in Gabonese football.

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