Gabon captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has issued a bold warning to Nigeria’s Super Eagles ahead of their decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff in Rabat, Morocco.
The Panthers, led by coach Thierry Mouyouma, will face the Super Eagles on Thursday, 13 November, with kick-off set for 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT) at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex.
Aubameyang, who scored four goals and picked up a red card in Gabon’s dramatic 4–3 win over Gambia, said the clash with Nigeria will define their dream of reaching a first-ever World Cup.
“We have to beat Nigeria to stand a chance of playing in the other game. It’s the main match in our quest to reach the World Cup. We can’t afford to lose it,” said the Olympique Marseille striker.
Aubameyang has scored 4 goals with 6 assists in 11 matches for Marseille this season.Photo Credit: Getty Images
Nigeria’s head coach Eric Chelle has been credited with reviving the Super Eagles’ qualification hopes since taking charge.
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Under the Franco-Malian tactician, Nigeria secured their first win on matchday five after José Peseiro drew the opening two games and Findi George managed one draw and one defeat in his brief tenure.
Auba scored 7 goals in the group stage qualifying matches. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Chelle guided the team to an unbeaten finish, recording four wins and two draws, as Nigeria placed second in Group C with 17 points just behind South Africa. The Super Eagles are now aiming to return to the World Cup after missing out on Qatar 2022.
Their opponents, Gabon, narrowly missed automatic qualification, finishing a point behind African champions Ivory Coast in Group F. They remain inspired by their captain Aubameyang, one of Africa’s most prolific forwards.
This will be the 10th meeting between Nigeria and Gabon. The Super Eagles have won five of the previous nine encounters, drawn three, and lost only once a 2–1 defeat in 1989 World Cup qualifying. Coincidentally, neither team reached Italia ’90.
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The mini-tournament, which runs from 13 to 16 November, will feature Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon, and DR Congo, with the winners earning Africa’s final ticket to the intercontinental playoff in March 2026.
