Sports
Super Eagles to play under VAR scrutiny in 2026 World Cup Playoffs
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology will be used during the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs scheduled for later this month.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles will continue their quest for a World Cup ticket when they face Gabon in the playoff semi-final on Thursday, November 13, in Rabat, Morocco.
The Super Eagles finished second in Group C but qualified for the playoffs as one of the best second-placed teams.
They will join Gabon, DR Congo, and Cameroon in the four-team playoff tournament, with the winner between Nigeria and Gabon set to play the victor of the DR Congo versus Cameroon match.
CAF’s decision to introduce VAR for the playoffs marks a major shift, as the technology was not used during the main qualification rounds.
The inclusion of VAR could be pivotal for Nigeria, as match officials will now be able to review key decisions.
For instance, Calvin Bassey’s controversial goal against South Africa in the qualifiers might have been disallowed for handball if VAR had been available.
At the same time, Nigeria have suffered from poor officiating in recent fixtures, such as when Victor Osimhen sustained an injury against Rwanda in August, a foul that went unpunished.
Read Also: Diallo’s stunning volley earns Man United vital draw at City Ground
The Super Eagles will now hope that the introduction of VAR ensures fair play rather than hinders their efforts as they battle for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Follow Us on Google Discover
Pope Leo XIV set to leave hospital after lung cancer surgery
Gunmen kill four vigilantes in Plateau community
Tension as traditional ruler collapses, dies in Ondo
2027: Kwankwaso a goat in sheep’s clothing, secretly working for Tinubu – Atiku Campaign Council
DSS arrests Maina’s fugitive son in Abuja, hands him over to EFCC
2027: Step down if you are not working for Tinubu – Deji Adeyanju dares Obi, Kwankwaso
2027: ‘I wont join my Uncle to support Tinubu’ – Davido says
Enugu NYSC death: NAFDAC debunks claims linking corps members death to fake drugs
33 Governors cannot be wrong in supporting Tinubu – Bayo Onanuga
Security forces arrest five suspects over abduction of 20 NYSC members in Imo
Rugby star Hyron Andrews dies at 31 after accidental fall in South Africa
LAUTECH Resident Doctors halt 50-day strike as Makinde intervenes
House Officers, Nurses, Radiographers, Others wanted as DELSUTH opens recruitment – Apply Now
FG raises health fund allocation to N40.76bn, extends insurance to prison inmates
Erisco Foods announces 13 job openings across Nigeria – Apply Now
Erisco Foods announces 13 job openings across Nigeria – Apply Now
Ex-Senator Bello Mandiya’s body found in Abuja home three days after he slipped, hit his head in the bathroom
‘You Betrayed Osun People’ — Adeleke, Davido face backlash over support for Tinubu
Tinubu reappoints Bala Bila as INEC commissioner, nominates six others
House Officers, Nurses, Radiographers, Others wanted as DELSUTH opens recruitment – Apply Now
JUST IN: Finnish Appeal Court reduces Simon Ekpa’s jail term to four years, upholds terrorism conviction
‘I love Islam, I’ve sent people to Mecca to pray for me, Nigeria for 25 years’ – Akpabio
Over 10 soldiers, four civilians feared dead as Boko Haram terrorists attack Borno military base
Zamfara govt set to empower 36,176 residents with Dangote shares
Panic in Rivers community as pipeline explosion injures 20, razes over 50 houses
Umahi reopens first Niger bridge after emergency repairs, displays Tinubu’s photos
Elon Musk unveils Tesla’s ‘flying’ car in stunning demonstration
2027: Step down if you are not working for Tinubu – Deji Adeyanju dares Obi, Kwankwaso
Lagos govt announces 3-day traffic diversion on Independence bridge for emergency repairs
