As the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-offs draw closer, a former goalkeeper in the Super Eagles, Greg Etafia has called for prayers to prevent a situation in which key players of the Nigerian national team might miss the mini-competition due to injuries, Sports247 reports.
Africa’s section of the 2026 World Cup qualification playoffs is billed to start in Rabat, Morocco on November 13th and, while acknowledging that Nigeria has to commence early preparations for the contest, Etafia added that having all major players present would be important as well.
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The former Plateau United of Jos and Moroka Swallows of South Africa shot-stopper further noted that the competition will not be a stroll in the park, but reasoned that the
Eagles should be able to defeat Gabon in the competition’s opening game.
He added that the form seen of the Eagles in their recent 4-0 demolition of Benin Republic, plus the presence of top players like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, should not only provide victory against Gabon but also help Nigeria win the final on November 16th against either Cameroon or Democratic Republic of Congo.
Etafia declared, “It’s not going to be easy, but what I saw in Nigeria’s last game against Benin Republic showed some promise. Benin Republic is different from Gabon, but, if our players come out to play on that day, they should win it.
“We have the former African best player and the current best player in our team. So, I just feel that we can qualify; but everything should be properly organised.”
The former net minder, who is now a goalkepers’ coach in South Africa, also charged officials of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to quickly set adequate preparations in motion, as he pointed out that the decisive contest is just around the corner.
“November 13th is not far away. So, the Federation should ensure that their organisation of the team is in order. The prayer, though, is for our key players not to be injured before then,” Etafia solicited.
Sports247 can add that God appears to be answering Etafia’s prayer very early, as Samuel Chukwueze returned from injury to play for Fulham of England last weekend, while Lookman shook off a recent slump in form to score a crucial goal for Atalanta of Italy in the Serie A.
