Victor Osimhen’s hat-trick powered the three-time African champions to a commanding 4-0 win over Benin Republic, securing them a spot in the play-offs and a second chance to qualify for next year’s World Cup.
First, Eric Chelle’s side must overcome Gabon on November 13. A victory would set up a clash with either Cameroon or DR Congo, with the winner advancing to the inter-confederation play-offs scheduled to take place in Morocco.
Nonetheless, Pemu remains optimistic about Nigeria’s World Cup prospects, highlighting the nation’s strong footballing pedigree, although he acknowledges that the path to qualification will be challenging.
"I know the Super Eagles will be facing very tough odds in their quest to qualify for the World Cup, but first, we must commend Eric Chelle and his boys for securing such an impressive result against Benin Republic," he told Flashscore.
"Many Nigerians had lost hope before the game (against Benin Republic), but by the final whistle, there were smiles everywhere and we now have a second chance to reach the biggest stage in world football.
"I’m very optimistic that Nigeria will represent Africa when the tournament begins because getting to this point already feels divine.
"You simply cannot talk about African football without mentioning Nigeria, a nation with a proud legacy of excellence, from the days of Segun Odegbami to Stephen Keshi and many other greats.
"Will the playoffs be difficult? Absolutely. But will we qualify in the end? Definitely. Based on what we saw against Gernot Rohr’s team, I’m strongly convinced the boys have the character, quality, and fighting spirit to scale the final hurdle in Morocco. The Super Eagles always rise when it matters most - and this time won’t be any different."
Marseille star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Denis Bouanga are the key threats for the Panthers that the Super Eagles must watch out for when the two sides meet at an as-yet unnamed venue in November.
The duo were in sensational form during the first round of qualifiers, combining for 15 goals and helping Gabon lose just once in a tough group that included reigning African champions Cote d’Ivoire, Burundi, Seychelles, Kenya, and The Gambia.
Despite the threat posed by Thierry Mouyouma’s side, Pemu of Windrush FC believes the Super Eagles have the quality, experience, and tactical edge to overcome the Panthers and take a crucial step toward securing a place in the 2026 World Cup.
He added: "There are no minnows in football anymore, but trust me, Gabon will also be wary of facing us because of the quality we possess.
"If our players follow the coaches’ instructions, perform at their best, and the Nigeria Football Federation plays its part, we will be home and dry.
"In the first round, we made mistakes, and we must learn from them, because at this stage, there is no second chance. That said, I remain very optimistic about our chances and it has never crossed my mind that we will not be there."
Based in Sunderland, England, Windrush FC is a pioneering football club founded by the African Caribbean Community Association North East.
The club was established with a dual mission: to nurture the football stars of tomorrow and to inspire and empower the next generation of young Black players in the region.
Through structured coaching programs, grassroots initiatives, and community engagement, Windrush FC equips young talent with the technical skills, discipline, and mentorship required to excel both on and off the pitch, giving them the platform to showcase their abilities and pursue professional football careers.
