Overview:
Having missed out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, another failure would mark the first time the Super Eagles have missed consecutive tournaments since making their debut in the United States in 1994.
Thursday November 13, 2025
- Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.7pm
Nigeria kept their 2026 World Cup alive with a 4-0 win over Benin to beat off stiff competition in a group that was topped by South Africa.
Now, they face Gabon, one of the four sides in the play-offs that has never played in a world cup in a clash they must win to reach the final and give themselves chance to play in the Canada, Mexico and United States forthcoming tournament.
On the other hand, Gabon finished behind Cote d’ivoire despite collecting 22 points in 10 group stages qualifying matches.
Having missed out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, another failure would mark the first time the Super Eagles have missed consecutive tournaments since making their debut in the United States in 1994.
Team News
Super Eagles’ coach Eric Chelle will miss the services of Ola Aina who is still sidelined.
Besides, he has all players available including Victor Osimhen, Semi Ajayi, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukweze, Wilfried Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
For Gabon, veteran forward Piere-Emerick remains the talisman, having scored all four goals in their dramatic 4-3 win over Gambia in October but forward Denis Bouanga is also key.
However, Gabon remains without several key players, including Jim Allevinah, Shavy Babicka, Medwin Biteghe, Michel Mboula, and Junior Noubi Fotso, all sidelined through injury.
Defender Oumar Bagnama has been dropped due to a lack of match fitness ahead of the new domestic season
Key Stats
- Nigeria have won three of the last five meetings between the sides, including a 2-0 victory in their most recent encounter back in 2005.
- In their nine encounters across all competitions, Gabon have only defeated Nigeria once, while Nigeria have won five times and three matches have ended in draws.
- The latest FIFA World Rankings also underline the gulf in pedigree between the two nations, with Nigeria sitting 41st, while Gabon is ranked 77th.
Probable Line-ups:
Nigeria: Nwabali (GK) Frederick, Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Chukwueze, Ndidi, Iwobi, Simon; Osimhen, Lookman
Gabon: Mbaba (GK), Onfia, M’bemba, Manga; Lemina, Kanga, Ndong, Averlant; Obiang, Bouanga, Aubameyang