CAF introduces VAR for 2026 World Cup playoffs

The Confederation of African Football has announced that video assistant referee 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 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 made the playoffs by virtue of being one of the best second-placed teams.

They will compete in a four-team tournament alongside Gabon, DR Congo, and Cameroon, with the winner of the Nigeria-Gabon tie facing the victor of the DR Congo-Cameroon clash.

The introduction of VAR for the playoffs marks a significant change from the main qualifiers, when the technology was not employed in any game at all.

The development could prove crucial for Nigeria, as every decision will now be scrutinised by match officials.

For instance, Calvin Bassey’s goal for Nigeria against South Africa in the return leg would have been cancelled for handball had VAR been in use.

However, Nigeria have also been on the receiving end of poor officiating in recent months.

A case in point was the situation that got Victor Osimhen injured against Rwanda in August, which could have resulted in a red card, but the referee did not call it back.

The Super Eagles will be hoping that the introduction of VAR does not hinder them in Morocco as they seek to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

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