Auckland, New Zealand – Di stage don set for historic final of FIFA World Cup 26™ Oceania qualifiers, wey go happen on Monday, March 24, 2025, for Eden Park, Auckland, at 7 PM local time. New Caledonia don show say dem ready as dem come after dem impressive performance against Tahiti for semi-final. Midfielder Jekob Jeno talk say, “We want to win. Our mind dey focus on dis game, and we go give all we fit.”
New Caledonia coach, Johann Sidaner, wey also dey confident, emphasize say di key to dem success na teamwork and discipline. “We dey here to show our strength and confidence,” Sidaner talk for di pre-final media conference. Dem plan to play compact, waiting for di right moment to grab opportunity.
On di other hand, New Zealand dey gear up as dem favorite. Vice-captain Liberato Cacace recognize di pressure wey come with dis title, stating, “We know we are favorites, but complacency no go help us.” Coach Darren Bazeley also caution say dem need to follow their game plan. “If we keep discipline, we suppose have a very good evening,” Bazeley talk.
Bazeley don dey study New Caledonia, as he notes say dem get serious threats and flair in their play. “We dey see some players wey fit do some different things. Dem competitive and dem sabi counter-attack well,” he mention. Di coach talk about how important e be for Oceania to get direct entry to di World Cup, emphasizing say dis one go give di region something to aspire to.
Di runner-up for dis final go also get chance to qualify as OFC go join one team each from AFC, CAF, and CONMEBOL, plus two from CONCACAF for inter-confederation play-offs. Di teams go dey rank according to FIFA Men’s World Ranking, with di lowest four playing in elimination matches, with winners going on to face di best teams for di final World Cup spot.
New Caledonia don face tough journey to waka reach final, with challenges from recent civil unrest. “We dey very delighted to be here,” Sidaner share. Tahiti coach, Samuel Garcia, also tip say e go be a special game as di two teams sabi each other well. “We dey focused on di present. Our final na on Friday,” Garcia talk.
Di semi-final no disappoint, as New Caledonia secured a 3-0 victory against Tahiti, led by Georges Gope-Fenepej, while New Zealand crush Fiji with 7-0 win, with Chris Wood scored hat-trick. Dis performance don set di pace for di final wey dey come.
As all eyes dey turn to Eden Park on Monday, di atmosphere dey electrifying, as both teams dey bring hope and determination to claim di coveted World Cup spot. Dis final go not only define dem teams but also represent di dreams of many countries in Oceania.
