Former Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has issued a strong advisory to the Nigerian national football team as they prepare for their crucial World Cup qualifying playoff against Gabon. Onazi stressed the importance of maintaining focus and discipline throughout the upcoming matches.

The Nigerian team, known as the Super Eagles, is set to face Gabon in a two-legged playoff. The first leg will be held on November 13 in Morocco. The outcome of these matches is critical, as victory would advance Nigeria to the next stage of the qualifications, bringing them closer to a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Onazi, who has extensive international experience, highlighted that Gabon should not be underestimated. He pointed out that Gabon had a strong performance during the qualification group stage, making them a formidable opponent. He emphasized that the Super Eagles must approach the game with the right mentality and tactical discipline.

“It will not be an easy game because Gaben had an almost flawless qualification campaign with very good points,” Onazi stated in an interview. “We must approach the match carefully. Football has evolved, and the Gabonese will be a tough side to face. I believe we can beat them, but the players must treat it like a World Cup or AFCON final.”

Gabon, currently ranked 77th in the world, boasts several experienced players, including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mario Lemina, who play key roles in their team’s structure. Onazi warned that Nigeria must be at their best to overcome such a team.

Onazi, who was part of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad, also stressed the importance of mental strength and team unity. He urged the current squad to avoid complacency and maintain the high levels of determination that have characterized Nigerian football at its best.

“Games like this are won not just with skill but with the right mindset,” he explained. “Every player must understand what is at stake. The World Cup is not just another tournament; it is the dream of every footballer. If they play with that mentality, qualification will not be far-fetched.”

The 31-year-old also expressed confidence in the current squad’s abilities, noting that the team has rediscovered its rhythm at a crucial time. He believes that the players’ recent performances show a renewed sense of purpose and unity.

“I believe the team will qualify because of recent events. There were a lot of doubts in the minds of Nigerians, but this has given us another chance at qualification,” Onazi said. “A lot went wrong at the start of the qualifiers, but now, with the passion and determination the team has shown, you can see they understand what it means to play at the World Cup.”