close
Friday, November 14, 2025

Playoff: Tinubu tells Super Eagles to secure 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification

‎“Do not stop until you secure qualification. Super Eagles, keep soaring. The nation stands with you!” the president said.

• November 14, 2025
Super Eagles
Super Eagles celebrating [Credit: Arise News]

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Super Eagles on their emphatic 4–1 victory over Gabon in Thursday’s FIFA World Cup qualifying Africa Playoff match, describing the performance as a symbol of Nigeria’s resilient spirit.

The president’s message is contained in a statement issued by his Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, shortly after the match.
‎
‎The Super Eagles defeated Gabon 4–1 in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup African Playoffs in Morocco, advancing to the final, where they will face the winner of the Cameroon–DR Congo clash.
‎
‎Mr Tinubu said the team’s display reflected courage, balance, and precision, adding that football remains one of Nigeria’s strongest symbols of unity and shared national pride.
‎
‎“This is the true Nigerian spirit of resilience against all odds. Do not stop until you secure qualification. Super Eagles, keep soaring. The nation stands with you!” the president said.
‎
‎He noted that the victory injects fresh energy into the national spirit and reinforces the country’s collective resolve to secure a berth at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
‎
‎Mr Tinubu commended the players, coaches, and technical crew for their professionalism and teamwork, describing their dedication as a reflection of Nigeria’s deep pool of sporting talent.
‎
‎He also lauded millions of fans at home and abroad for their unwavering passion and support, stressing that their energy continues to inspire the team during critical moments of international competition.
‎
‎“Every match presents another chance to show discipline and character. Nigeria’s ambition is within reach, and we must pursue it with determination,” the president added.

(NAN)

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

PTAD

Rights

PTAD disburses N3.9 billion to 91,146 pensioners

PTAD said that the payment was part of the N32,000 increment approved by President Bola Tinubu.

PDP chieftains

Politics

PDP national convention must hold on Saturday; no court can stop us: Wabara

“We are relying on the judgment of the Supreme Court,” said Mr Wabara.

Lee Jae-myung

Economy

U.S., South Korea agree on trade, security deal, nuclear submarines

According to a joint fact sheet released by the White House, the agreement represents a sweeping upgrade of the U.S.-South Korea alliance.

CBN governor Yemi Cardoso

Economy

CBN interest rate hikes boost fixed-income market demand

The AIHN financials showed that total funds and liabilities rose from N452.6 million in 2023 to N518.2 million in 2024.

DOCTORS

Health

NMA seeks more dental faculty nationwide

Mr Audu said the dental profession has made significant progress and plays a pivotal role within the NMA and the country’s healthcare delivery system.

PenCom building

Economy

PenCom reaffirms commitment to expanding pension coverage

The director-general of PenCom, Omolola Oloworaran, has reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to expanding pension coverage through the new Personal Pension Plan.