AFCON 2025
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Idah Peterside has warned Nigeria not to underrate Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ahead of the World Cup playoffs against Gabon.
The Super Eagles qualified for the World Cup playoffs on the last day of the qualification series after a comprehensive win over the Benin Republic in Uyo on Tuesday.
Victor Osimhen bagged a hat trick while Brentford FC midfielder Frank Onyeka came off the bench to score the decisive goal that sent Nigeria to the playoffs.
The Super Eagles finished second behind South Africa with 17 points, as they qualified as one of the best second-placed teams to clinch a playoff spot.
Nigeria will take on Gabon in the semi-final of the playoffs for a place in the final, where they will face one of Cameroon or DR Congo.
Ahead of the next month’s showdown in Morocco, Idah Peterside warned the Super Eagles not to lose sight of the Marseille striker.
Peterside warned that the former Arsenal striker and his teammates are a worthy and dangerous opponent; as such, the Super Eagles must prove themselves as a powerhouse on the continent as they look to seal a place in the final of the playoffs.
Aubameyang was prolific in the qualification series as he bagged seven goals en route to Gabon’s qualification for the playoffs, while Los Angeles FC’s Denis Bouanga scored eight goals and provided two assists.
Idah Peterside added that the playoffs might see Nigeria take on arguably its biggest rival on the continent, Cameroon, in the final.
A win for Nigeria in the playoffs will see them play in the intercontinental playoffs, giving the team an opportunity to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the 10th African team.
Nigeria will take on Gabon on November 13 in Morocco.
The intercontinental playoffs will take place in Mexico in March next year.
