Former Venezuela international Alejandro Moreno has tipped Nigeria to progress to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff final, ahead of their semi-final clash with Gabon on Thursday evening in Morocco.
The winner of the Nigeria-Gabon fixture will face the victor of the Cameroon vs DR Congo semi-final in the playoff final. Moreno, speaking on ESPN FC, expressed confidence that the Super Eagles would advance, highlighting striker Victor Osimhen as a key factor.
“All I know is that when they [Super Eagles] needed him [Osimhen] to score big goals, Nigeria, the last time against Benin, hat-trick. I don’t know where he is playing or where he is not playing, he is a goalscorer,” Moreno said.
He also commented on Nigeria’s history of performing under pressure, despite internal challenges. “In all honesty, in every important moment, whenever the Super Eagles have some qualification big games… there is always some sort of issues going on with this team, federation or players… but apparently this is where they thrive. In chaos they thrive, and it doesn’t get more chaotic than having to have issues with the federation ahead of a huge match. So if in chaos they thrive, if we go with that theory then Nigeria advances somehow,” he added.
Moreno’s prediction comes as Nigeria seeks to secure a place in the World Cup playoff final and continue their quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
