Nigeria vs Gabon is one of two semi-final World Cup play-offs to provide an extra African team, the other being DR Congo vs Cameroon…
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will take on the Panthers of Gabon at the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan in Rabat, Morocco, tomorrow, Soccernet.ng reports.
A place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is up for grabs for both sides, with 90 minutes separating them from another play-off clash that’ll see the winner take on whoever comes out on top between Congo and Cameroon.
The Super Eagles haven’t recorded any fatigue or injury problems ahead of the game against Thierry Mouyouma’s side, but they boycotted their training session yesterday due to unpaid allowances by the NFF.
Soccernet.ng predicts the Super Eagles’ lineup with the players available for the game against Gabon.
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Predicted Super Eagles Starting XI vs Gabon
Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali’s display against Lesotho and the Benin Republic raised many questions about the Chippa United goalkeeper’s composure, as his error gifted Basotho a goal. At the same time, another nearly led to the equaliser.
Still, it’ll be risky to give a debut appearance to Amas Obasogie or to introduce Maduka Okoye in such a high-pressure game
Considering Eric Chelle has backed the character of the former Enyimba goalie, Nwabali is still Nigeria’s best bet.
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong has been a bit-part player over the past three games, but Semi Ajayi’s suspension due to a yellow card accumulation makes things tricky for Eric Chelle.
Bright Osayi-Samuel’s inclusion provides an option at right back, leaving an impressive Benjamin Frederick and Calvin Bassey to partner at the heart of the Super Eagles’ defence.
Zaidu Sanusi’s cameo against the Republic of Benin puts him back on top ahead of Bruno Onyemaechi at left-back.
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi has been shaky in the past three games he’s played for the Super Eagles, but his experience is relevant.
However, to cover up Ndidi’s weakness in and out of possession, especially for a team like Gabon, Raphael Onyedika would be a good partner in midfield for the former Leicester City midfielder.
Alex Iwobi would feature slightly ahead of the duo as Chelle will most likely maintain a diamond 4-4-2 formation, leaving Moses Simon to play off the left.
Forwards: The partnership between Akor Adams and Victor Osimhen flourished against Lesotho and the Republic of Benin during the Group stage of the World Cup qualifiers.
Without a doubt, the duo will be the best choice to lead the line against Gabon tomorrow.
The line-up in full: Stanley Nwabali; Bright Osayi Samuel; Benjamin Frederick, Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi; Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika; Alex Iwobi; Moses Simon; Akor Adams, Victor Osimhen.