Visa snag grounds 200 Nigerian fans for Super Eagles’ World Cup playoff in Morocco

By Dayo Awoniyi

Plans to airlift around 200 Nigerian football fans to Morocco to support the Super Eagles in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Playoffs have been derailed due to visa complications, Nigeria Footballng reports.

A senior team official confirmed the setback, disclosing that organizers were unable to secure entry visas for the traveling supporters in time for the crucial fixtures.

“The plan is off because of problems in securing the fans’ visas into Morocco,” the official said.

In response, the Nigerian Embassy in Rabat is expected to mobilize local Nigerian residents and students in Morocco to fill the stands and rally behind the national team during the decisive matches.

Nigeria will begin their playoff campaign on Thursday with a semi-final clash against Gabon at the Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan in Rabat, kicking off at 5:00 p.m. local time.

The winner will advance to Sunday’s final to face either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the eventual champion earning Africa’s sole ticket to the FIFA Intercontinental Playoffs in Mexico, scheduled for March 2026.