The Super Eagles of Nigeria will take on the Panthers of Gabon on Thursday, November 13, 2025, in Rabat, Morocco, in a crucial CAF playoff tie that will determine which side advances to the inter-confederation playoff for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria qualified for the playoff stage as one of the best runners-up in the African qualifiers, boosted by a 4–0 victory over Benin Republic, a game highlighted by a Victor Osimhen hat-trick. Gabon also secured their ticket after finishing second in Group F, behind Ivory Coast.
The winner of Thursday’s encounter will move on to face either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo on November 16, with the victor of that final round advancing to the inter-continental playoff for a potential World Cup berth in North America.
Nigeria and Gabon share a rivalry spanning over six decades. In their nine previous meetings, the Super Eagles have won five, drawn three, and lost once—the lone defeat being a 2–1 upset in June 1989, which cost Nigeria a place at the Italia ’90 World Cup.
The Super Eagles head into this tie unbeaten in their last four qualifiers, and will take confidence from their recent dominance over Gabon—three wins and a draw in their last four encounters.
Gabon, led by coach Thierry Mouyouma, have impressed offensively, netting 22 goals in 10 qualifiers, but their record against top African teams remains poor, with four defeats and one draw since Mouyouma’s appointment.
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) – The in-form Galatasaray striker remains Nigeria’s key attacking threat. With 29 goals in 43 international appearances, Osimhen is just eight goals shy of breaking Rashidi Yekini’s all-time Super Eagles scoring record. His explosive pace and sharp finishing could prove decisive in Rabat.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon) – At 36, the Olympique de Marseille forward continues to deliver at the highest level. Aubameyang scored all four goals in Gabon’s 4–3 win over Gambia, keeping their qualification hopes alive. His experience and predatory instincts make him Gabon’s biggest danger.
The Super Eagles will be looking to maintain their unbeaten momentum, while Gabon will aim to upset the odds and move one step closer to a first-ever World Cup appearance.
Kick-off at the 22,000-capacity Moulay Hassan Stadium promises a high-stakes battle between two sides desperate to keep their World Cup dreams alive.