Nigeria Vs Gabon: Super Eagles Set For Crucial World Cup Playoff Clash

‎Nigeria’s hopes of reaching next year’s FIFA World Cup remain alive but standing in their way are the formidable Panthers of Gabon, one of Africa’s most improved and dangerous national teams in recent years.

‎The Super Eagles, three-time African champions, will lock horns with Gabon in the second round of the CAF World Cup qualification playoffs on Thursday, November 13, at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, with kickoff scheduled for 16:00 West African Time (WAT).

‎Nigeria’s Second Chance at Redemption

‎After a rocky start to the qualification campaign, Nigeria has been handed a lifeline. Their emphatic 4-0 victory over the Benin Republic in Uyo helped them finish as one of the best four runners-up, ensuring a route back into contention.

‎However, preparation for this all-important tie has been overshadowed by off-field issues. Reports of a players’ strike over unpaid match bonuses have dominated headlines, with training sessions briefly suspended.

‎If the standoff with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is resolved in time, the Super Eagles will take to the field under coach Eric Chelle, who has restored some belief and structure to the team. But any further unrest could derail their momentum and hand Gabon a significant psychological edge.

‎The Panthers of Gabon

‎Gabon’s recent form has been nothing short of remarkable. The Panthers won eight and drew one of their 10 qualification matches, narrowly missing out on automatic qualification by a single point behind African champions Ivory Coast.

‎Led by veteran striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the team has developed a reputation for upsetting big names. Their mix of experience and youthful energy has made them one of the most unpredictable sides on the continent.

‎“We know that Nigeria, a great African nation, is the favourite, and our status as an outsider suits us very well. Nigeria will have more pressure, which makes sense. But we don’t fear them.” said Thierry Mouyouma

‎He added that his team is motivated by the magnitude of the challenge, “To play in the World Cup, you must beat teams like Nigeria, then DR Congo or Cameroon. It’s a long journey, but we are ready.”

‎Where and When to Watch

‎Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025

‎Time: 16:00 WAT

‎Venue: Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Rabat, Morocco

‎Live Broadcast:

‎Fans in Nigeria and across Africa can tune in live on SuperSport or stream the match on FIFA’s official YouTube channel.

‎Venue Spotlight:

‎The match will take place at the stunning Moulay El Hassan Stadium one of Morocco’s most modern football arenas.

‎Originally home to FUS Rabat, the venue underwent a complete redevelopment in 2024 ahead of AFCON 2025 and the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

‎The 22,000-capacity stadium is now an architectural landmark, blending traditional Moroccan craftsmanship with cutting-edge design.

‎Nigeria Squad for the Playoff

‎Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars), Maduka Okoye (Udinese)

‎Defenders: Chidozie Awaziem, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Benjamin Fredericks, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Zaidu Sanusi, William Troost-Ekong

‎Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf

‎Forwards: Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, Samuel Chukwueze, Chidera Ejuke, Ademola Lookman, Olakunle Olusegun, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon

‎Predicted XI: Nwabali; Fredericks, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Iwobi; Simon, Lookman; Osimhen, Arokodare

‎Gabon Squad for the Playoff

‎Goalkeepers: François Junior Bekale, Loyce Mbaba, Lukas Mounguenou, Demba Anse Ngoubi

‎Defenders: Aaron Appindangoye, Jonathan do Marcolino, Jacques Ekomie, Bruno Ecuele Manga, Yannis Mbemba, Johan Obiang, Mike Kila Onfia, Anthony Oyono, Jérémy Oyono

‎Midfielders: Oumar Samake Nze Bagnama, Eric Bocoum, Guelor Kanga, Mario Lemina, Didier Ndong, André Biyogho Poko

‎Forwards: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Denis Bouanga, Teddy Averlant, Alan do Marcolino, Randy Essang Matouti, Noha Lemina, Bryan Meyo

‎Predicted XI: Mbaba; Ecuele Manga, Onfia, M’Bemba, Obiang; Ndong, Lemina, Kanga; Bouanga, Marcolino, Aubameyang

‎Match Officials

‎Referee: Tom Abongile (South Africa)

‎Assistant Referees: Zakhele Siwela (South Africa)

‎VAR: Akhona Makalima (South Africa)

‎What to Expect

‎With star names like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Alex Iwobi on one side, and Aubameyang, Bouanga, and Lemina on the other, this fixture promises end-to-end football.

‎Gabon’s counter-attacking prowess will test Nigeria’s defensive discipline, while the Super Eagles’ creativity and pace could unlock gaps in the Panthers’ backline.

‎If Nigeria can overcome its off-field distractions and maintain focus, it remains a favourite to progress.

‎But underestimate Gabon, and the Panthers could once again write another chapter in their growing reputation as Africa’s ultimate giant-killers.

‎Prediction:

‎Nigeria 2–1 Gabon Expect a hard-fought encounter with moments of brilliance from both sides. The Super Eagles’ experience and depth might just edge them through in a tense playoff thriller.