"I'm ready for my big brother" - Alex Iwobi ahead of WCQ against Gabon

Nigeria Super Eagles face Gabon in World Cup playoff opener Thu; Chelle revives hopes after chaotic campaign. Osimhen, Iwobi ready; NFF drama looms.

Alex Iwobi and Pierre Emerick Aubamegang celebrate a goal together during their Arsenal days, both are itching to face each other on Thursday in a World Cup qualifying playoff in Morocco. (Photo credit: BBC)

The international break is here, but, for Nigerians, this is a different kind of international break. The Super Eagles of Nigeria will be in action twice (hopefully) this weekend, with an opportunity to eventually earn a World Cup ticket on the cards.

After a stop-start qualification campaign, which saw the Super Eagles finish second to South Africa, who had three points deducted due to a fatal error, the Nigerian side has an opportunity to redeem their pride in the playoffs, which begin on Thursday.

The playoff format will see Nigeria play at least one game on Thursday and a potential second one – only if they win the first one will they play a continental final on Sunday before proceeding to the intercontinental one, provided they’re victorious on Sunday as well.

There’s a lot to unpack in all of these: from how they handled their qualification campaign, with three managers, including Finidi George, whom Victor Osimhen had an ugly episode with, all of them only accounted for four points between them in four games.

Eric Chelle came in, revived hopes, and now, there’s a chance. The Malian was strongly campaigned against by top-ranking NFF officials and many Nigerian fans, but he has proven to be the right man to lead the Super Eagles through these games.

Nigeria will face Gabon on Thursday, a game that means everything to every Nigerian, with a win guaranteeing another game on Sunday between the winner of the one between Cameroon and Congo Dr. You can only beat what is in front of you, so the Super Eagles must focus on Gabon first.

History favours the Nigerians, as Gabon has never beaten Nigeria in any competitive game in the past, but form and pedigree count for nothing on days like this; it is what you do on the day that matters. How will Nigeria approach the Gabonese side on Thursday?

Alex Iwobi has spoken highly of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and his readiness to face his “big brother”, and Victor Osimhen has spoken about his readiness to leave everything on the pitch. How will this pan out? Will Nigeria be able to meet the challenge?

As always, what is a Nigerian game without NFF drama? The boys refused to train on Tuesday due to unpaid allowances, and we hope everything works for Nigeria. We are eagerly anticipating the Super Eagles' performance on Sunday.