John Mikel Obi Sends Message To Super Eagles Ahead Of Clash With Gabon

Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has shared what he believes Nigeria must do to beat Gabon in Thursday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff in Morocco.

Mikel Obi told the Obi One Podcast Channel that the team must play with confidence, bravery, and passion, while embracing the honour of wearing the green and white jersey.

“Go in the game, play as we should, with full confidence, bravery, and passion, knowing you’re wearing the green white green, the badge of that green white green is huge,” Obi said. “300 million people, that is a lot of pressure, but you have to deal with it. I know they can do it, and I believe in them.”

The winner of the Nigeria-Gabon clash will face the winner of Cameroon versus DR Congo in the playoff final on Sunday. Nigeria comes into the match after beating Benin, while Gabon secured a win over Burundi.

The Super Eagles vs Gabon clash is scheduled to kick off at 5 p.m. (Nigerian time) on Thursday, November 13 in Rabat, Morocco.

Meanwhile, Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi has praised Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, who took over in January and has led Nigeria to six unbeaten competitive games, including four wins.

“He’s such a great man. We almost don’t see him as a manager, but as a big brother. He’s created a big brotherhood,” Iwobi said. “You see him on the touchline. He gets heated, he’s literally trying to fight for us. It motivates us, that we want to play not just for Nigeria but for him as well.”