The Confederation of African football have reportedly announced that video assistant referee (VAR) will be used in the 2026 continental FIFA World Cup playoffs later this month.
Nigeria will resume their hunt for a 2026 World Cup ticket later this month. They finished second in Group C, but they made the playoffs by virtue of being one of the best second-placed team.
Hence, they will compete in a four-team tournament later this month in Morocco. Nigeria will play Gabon, then the winner of that tie will face the winner of the game between DR Congo and Cameroon.
Ahead of the playoffs, it has been revealed that VAR technology will be used. This is a big change from the main qualifiers, when VAR was not employed in any game at all.
How Will The VAR Change Affect The Super Eagles?
The introduction of VAR for the playoffs could be a game-changer for Nigeria. It means that every single situation will be scrutinized.
For example, if there was VAR, Calvin Bassey’s goal for Nigeria’s against South Africa in the return leg would have been canceled for handball.
On the other hand, Nigeria have been on the receiving end of some terrible tackles in recent months.
Case in point was the situation that got Osimhen injured against Rwanda in August. There could have been a red card in that situation, but the referee did not call it back.
The Super Eagles will be hoping that the introduction of VAR favours them in Morocco.