Cameroon forward Etta Eyong has issued a stern warning to Nigeria ahead of a possible playoff final showdown for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Indomitable Lions clash against the Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday at the Al-Barid Stadium in Morocco.
The five-time African champions will also be eyeing a record-ninth appearance by an African country, should they advance to next year’s edition in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Nigeria, on the other hand, are up against Gabon in the other semifinal clash, with the winner of the two encounters facing each other in the CAF playoff finals on Sunday.
The four teams finished as the best-ranked second-placed teams after the conclusion of the group stages to determine Africa’s final representative at next year’s intercontinental playoffs.
“For me the most dangerous, Nigeria was before but I am no more afraid. With the confidence of the team, we can take the three teams”, Etta Eyong remarked.
“Even though we have to play three matches against them to qualify, we are going to win the three games.”
The youngster has enjoyed an impressive start to the 2025-26 campaign, netting five times in nine league games for Levante this season.
The 22-year-old was previously eligible to play for the Spanish national team, but preferred to represent Cameroon and will be very pivotal if they are to reach the World Cup.
They must first eliminate DR Congo on Thursday night, before they now face the winner of Nigeria’s clash with Gabon earlier in the day to stand any chance of reaching the World Cup.
“It is not like then when Nigeria was frightening me during those days but I think we have the capacity and ability to win those games that are coming”, he concluded.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
