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2026 FIFA World Cup Playoffs: Nigeria and Gabon Set for Fierce Battle in Rabat

Posted : 13 November 2025

Nigeria and Gabon are set for a thrilling showdown on Thursday evening in Rabat as they contest a 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoff semi-final that promises intensity, passion, and high drama. The clash at the Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan offers both teams a second chance to qualify for the global showpiece in the United States, Canada, and Mexico after narrowly missing out on automatic qualification.

The winner will advance to Sunday’s final at the same venue, where they will face either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo for a spot in the intercontinental playoff. Nigeria, six-time World Cup participants, are desperate to avoid missing a second consecutive tournament, while Gabon, yet to appear on football’s grandest stage, are chasing history.

Both Eric Chelle of Nigeria and Thierry Mouyouma of Gabon are expected to field their strongest sides in what is shaping up to be a tactical battle. Chelle, unbeaten in four qualifying matches, will likely rely on goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, with William Ekong, Calvin Bassey, and Zaidu Sanusi anchoring the defense. Midfield duties may fall to Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Frank Onyeka, while the attack will feature Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, and Ademola Lookman.

Osimhen, the reigning African Player of the Year, remains Nigeria’s key weapon with an impressive record of 29 goals in 44 international appearances. Gabon, meanwhile, will look to veteran forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, whose experience and finishing ability could prove vital. Supported by Denis Bouanga and Noah Lemina, Aubameyang’s leadership will be central to Mouyouma’s plans.

Historically, Nigeria hold the upper hand with five wins in nine meetings against Gabon. However, the Panthers’ only victory — a 2-1 triumph in June 1989 — infamously ended Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 1990 World Cup. Thursday’s match, unlike many in the past, must produce a winner, setting the stage for what promises to be a fiery encounter filled with ambition, pride, and the dream of a World Cup berth.

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