Nigeria’s pursuit of a World Cup return faces a stern test on Thursday when they take on Gabon in the first semifinal of CAF’s World Cup playoffs, Soccernet.ng reports.
Only one African ticket is up for grabs for next March’s intercontinental playoffs, which Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon and DR Congo are all battling for.
While Nigeria’s pedigree and star power make them favourites, Gabon’s sharp claws and fearless energy suggest this will be no walk in the park.
The other semifinal pits Cameroon against DR Congo later the same day, but all eyes will be on the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, where the Super Eagles and the Panthers face off.
Nigeria are desperate to return to the World Cup after missing out on the 2022 edition in Qatar, while Gabon, who have never qualified before, are chasing a fairy-tale first appearance.
On paper, it looks like a mismatch. Nigeria are three-time African champions, 36 places higher in the FIFA rankings, and boast two reigning African Footballer of the Year winners in Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. But football thrives on uncertainty, and the modern game is littered with tales of Davids slaying Goliaths.
Gabon, armed with two of the continent’s deadliest forwards, did not stumble into this stage, they earned it. Their performance in the qualifiers was relentless, and they arrive brimming with belief. The Panthers may not have Nigeria’s history, but they have momentum, bite, and a touch of audacity.
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Nigeria vs Gabon: How they reached the playoffs
CAF’s qualification structure allowed nine group winners to automatically progress, leaving the four best runners-up to battle for the final playoff berth. Nigeria’s journey was far from smooth.
The Super Eagles won four, drew five, and lost once in Group C, finishing behind South Africa. Yet, fortune smiled their way following Eritrea’s withdrawal from Group E. Because CAF discounted results against sixth-place teams when comparing runners-up, Nigeria’s record just barely made the cut.
The Super Eagles sealed their playoff ticket dramatically on the final day, hammering Benin Republic 4-0 in Uyo, a result that sent the stands into wild celebration and, perhaps, a sigh of relief from head coach Eric Chelle.
In stark contrast, Gabon’s road was all muscle and merit. The Panthers won eight of their ten qualifiers, drew once, and tallied an impressive 25 points; the highest among all playoff teams. They scored 22 goals and conceded just nine, outpacing giants like Ghana, Algeria, and Senegal in terms of consistency and efficiency.
Ivory Coast pipped them to Group F’s automatic ticket by a single point, but Gabon’s record showed they belong among Africa’s elite. Their confidence is buoyed by numbers and narrative, and they will fancy their chances of causing an upset against Nigeria.
Nigeria vs Gabon: Head-to-head record
The Super Eagles have the historical upper hand. Across nine meetings, Nigeria have won five, drawn three, and lost only once. Yet, strip away the friendlies, and the statistics narrow: three wins, one draw, and one defeat in competitive games.
The last encounter dates back to 2005; a World Cup qualifier Nigeria won 2-0 courtesy of Nwankwo Kanu and Julius Aghahowa.
Two decades later, the footballing landscape has shifted. Gabon have since hosted two AFCON tournaments, reached the quarterfinals once, and produced a Ballon d’Or finalist in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Africa’s best player in 2015.
Still, the Super Eagles enter as favourites. Ranked 41st in the world compared to Gabon’s 77th, Nigeria’s squad depth and experience on the global stage, six previous World Cup appearances, remain formidable advantages. But Gabon’s hunger to make history could narrow the gap considerably.
Nigeria vs Gabon: Team news
Gabon
Head coach Thierry Mouyouma has summoned the nation’s finest footballing talents.
At the heart of it all is Aubameyang, the 36-year-old captain whose illustrious career still burns with unfinished ambition. With 39 goals in 83 caps, he remains Gabon’s all-time top scorer and ultimate talisman. This could be his last dance, his last chance to walk onto the World Cup stage.
Alongside him, Denis Bouanga, the qualifiers’ top scorer for Gabon, adds explosiveness and unpredictability. Veteran defender Bruno Ecuélé Manga anchors the backline, while Mario Lemina and André Biyogo Poko bring industry and bite in midfield. Gabon’s 25-man squad, dominated by players from France, Italy, and Turkey, is a well-balanced mix of experience and hunger.
Nigeria
Eric Chelle’s 24-man list blends youth, form, and firepower. Victor Osimhen, the 2023 African Footballer of the Year, spearheads the attack with Ademola Lookman, his 2024 successor, offering pace and flair on the flank. Behind them, Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi provide stability, while Calvin Bassey and William Troost-Ekong marshal the defence.
Chelle has opted against calling up Paul Onuachu and Victor Boniface, turning instead to Tolu Arokodare and Akor Adams for depth.
Chidera Ejuke returns after a year’s absence, while Maduka Okoye earns a recall between ...s. Ola Aina misses out through injury, with Bright Osayi-Samuel expected to deputise at right-back. Semi Ajayi’s suspension rules him out for this clash, but he remains in contention should Nigeria reach the final.
Probable lineups
- 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.
Match Details
- Tournament: CAF Africa World Cup playoffs, semifinal
- Game: Nigeria vs Gabon
- Venue: Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat, Morocco
- Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
- Kick-off: 5:00 pm (Nigeria Time)
Prediction
Nigeria’s individual brilliance gives them the edge, but Gabon’s unity and belief cannot be underestimated. If the Panthers can contain Osimhen and Lookman while striking swiftly through Bouanga and Aubameyang, they have every chance of forcing extra time.
Still, experience and composure might see Nigeria through. Expect a nervy affair, but one that could end with the Super Eagles edging it, perhaps 2-1, and keeping their World Cup dream alive.