Basra, Iraq – The tension dey high as Iraq and UAE go dey face off on November 18, 2025, for another crucial match wey fit determine who go qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Na the second leg of their playoff clash, after dem draw 1-1 for Abu Dhabi last week. If you dey reason am, dis match no be small matter!
Iraq don show say dem no dey play as dem dey unbeaten in the last six meetings with UAE, and dem dey enjoy a sweet home advantage too. Supporters of the Lions of Mesopotamia go gather for Basra, wey dey ready to carry dem go the World Cup after 1986.
But no let UAE dey fool you! Despite some recent wahala, their attack don dey shine like diamond, scoring in all their last seven matches, averaging 1.7 goals per game. However, dem gree miss some key players, especially midfielder Aimar Sher, because of suspension. Omo, that na big wahala for dem!
As Iraq dey prepare for that home match, coach Graham Arnold sabi wetin e dey do, and e fit reshape the lineup to ensure say dem go carry victory come home. E fit start Ayman Hussein, wey don score plenti goals during dis qualifying session, alongside Mohanad Ali. We go dey watch as dem run this wicked combination.
UAE get dem own stars too, with goalkeeper Khalid Eisa showing world-class performance for the first leg by saving four shots. If him fit repeat that magic, e go dey hard for Iraq to penetrate. But Iraq defense na strong, so any mistake fit cost both sides their World Cup dream.
Meanwhile, Iraq last time dem host UAE, dem collect win. So dis one dey loaded as both teams dey chase their second-ever World Cup appearance. Na one spot dey available for the intercontinental playoffs, and both teams wan make am count!
As the match dey approach, fans dey expect tight encounter wey fit end either with glory or heartbreak. Match timing no dey joke, and crowds go dey shout and cheer like say their life depend on am. Expect drama, excitement, and one or two shocking moments!
Final prediction? E fit end at 2-2, we don dey gather palm wine for the afterparty, no be small!
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