Gabon head coach Thierry Mouyouma has announced a 27-man squad ahead of the team’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-off semi-final against Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

Speaking at a press conference in Libreville on Thursday, Mouyouma unveiled a strong roster led by veteran striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who will captain the Panthers. The former Arsenal and Barcelona forward headlines a squad that also includes Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Mario Lemina.

Gabon’s top scorer in the qualifiers, Denis Bouanga, who netted eight goals, is among the standout names, alongside Noha Lemina, Bruno Ecuele Manga, and Guélor Kanga.

The highly anticipated encounter will take place on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the C.S. Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. The winner will advance to face either Cameroon or DR Congo in the next playoff round.

Despite a strong campaign, Gabon narrowly missed out on automatic qualification, finishing second in Group E with 25 points — just one point behind Ivory Coast, who topped the table with 26.

Mouyouma’s selection blends experience with youth, featuring:

Goalkeepers: Jean-Noël Amonome, Donald Nzé, Anthony Mfa Mezui

Defenders: Bruno Ecuele Manga, Lloyd Palun, Aaron Appindangoye, Johann Obiang, David Sambissa, Sidney Obissa

Midfielders: Mario Lemina, Guélor Kanga, Jim Allevinah, Louis Ameka Autchanga, Noha Lemina, Yoann Wachter

Forwards: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Denis Bouanga, Axel Meye, Aaron Boupendza, Ulrick Eneme Ella

With Aubameyang leading the charge and Bouanga in fine scoring form, Gabon will be aiming to make history by edging past Nigeria and moving one step closer to their first-ever World Cup appearance.