Nigeria’s Super Eagles will bid to keep their World Cup hopes alive when they face Gabon on Thursday in the first semi-final of CAF’s 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs in Rabat, Morocco.
The one-off tie will determine who advances to the final round, where either Cameroon or DR Congo await for Africa’s sole ticket to next March’s intercontinental playoffs.
Nigeria, three-time African champions and six-time World Cup participants, enter as favourites. Yet, Gabon’s form, belief and attacking edge make this a potentially tight and unpredictable encounter.
Nigeria: Redemption on the line
After missing the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Super Eagles are determined to return to football’s biggest stage.
Head coach Eric Chelle has assembled a blend of experience and youth, led by Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, Africa’s last two Footballers of the Year. Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey also feature prominently in a squad designed to combine creativity and control.
Osimehn scored a hat-trick in the Super Eagles final group game against Benin Republic. Photo Credit: X
Nigeria’s route to this stage was far from straightforward. They finished runners-up in Group C behind South Africa but qualified as one of the best second-placed teams after a dominant 4–0 win over Benin Republic on the final day.
Gabon: A golden generation’s last dance?
Opponents Gabon arrive in Rabat in formidable shape. The Panthers won eight of their ten qualifiers, scoring 22 goals and conceding only nine, the most consistent record among all playoff contenders.
Led by 36-year-old captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the country’s all-time top scorer, and in-form forward Denis Bouanga, Gabon’s attack poses a real threat. The side also features experienced campaigners Mario Lemina, Guélor Kanga, and Bruno Ecuélé Manga.
Aubameyang has scored 4 goals with 6 assists in 11 matches for Marseille this season.Photo Credit: Getty Images
For Aubameyang, this could be his final chance to reach a World Cup, a personal mission that adds further drama to the contest.
Head-to-head and history
Nigeria hold the historical advantage, winning five of their nine meetings, with three draws and one defeat. Their last competitive meeting was a 2–0 victory in 2005 World Cup qualifying, courtesy of goals from Nwankwo Kanu and Julius Aghahowa.
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However, history also carries warning signs: Gabon famously denied Nigeria progress in the 1989 qualifiers, a loss that proved costly as Cameroon went on to reach the quarter-finals of Italia ’90.
Team news and probable line-ups
Nigeria (4-3-3): Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Fredrick, Bassey, Sanusi; Ndidi, Onyeka, Iwobi; Lookman, Simon, Osimhen.
Gabon (4-3-3): Mbaba; Ekomie, Averlant, Ecuele, Oyono; N’Dong, Kanga, M. Lemina; N. Lemina, Bouanga, Aubameyang.
Where to Watch
TV: NTA Sports, SuperSport Football (DStv Ch. 205)
Online streaming: FIFA+ (selected regions), NFF TV (YouTube)
Kick-off: Thursday, 13 November 2025 17:00 Nigeria time
Venue: Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat, Morocco
Prediction
Nigeria’s depth and experience could give them the edge, but Gabon’s cohesion and attacking threat mean any lapse could prove costly.
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Expect a tense encounter with the Super Eagles narrowly favoured to prevail, perhaps 2–1.
