The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face Gabon in the 2025 FIFA World Cup qualification playoff semi-final on Thursday afternoon at the Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
Both teams are now just two victories away from keeping their World Cup dreams alive. The winner of this clash will go on to meet either Cameroon or DR Congo in the final stage for a chance to reach the Intercontinental Playoffs.
Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying received a boost after FIFA deducted three points from Group C leaders South Africa for fielding an ineligible player. Despite that decision, the Super Eagles could not secure the top spot, as South Africa later sealed it with a crucial win over Rwanda in the final round.
The three-time African champions still managed to rank among the four best second-placed teams after finishing their campaign with an impressive 4-0 win against Benin Republic. Eric Chelle’s men accumulated 17 points from 10 matches, scoring enough goals to maintain a positive goal difference of seven. They ended the round with four wins, five draws, and one defeat.
The qualifying journey once again showed Nigeria’s struggle with consistency, though on paper, they remain one of the strongest teams on the continent. Having missed out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, another failure would make it the first time Nigeria have missed back-to-back tournaments since their debut at the 1994 World Cup in the United States.
Still, there is reason for optimism. The Super Eagles are unbeaten in their last six matches in all competitions and have won their previous two. They enter this playoff with confidence and renewed determination to make a statement.
Gabon, led by coach Thierry Mouyouma, booked their spot in the playoffs after finishing second in Group F, just one point behind group winners Ivory Coast. The Panthers gathered 25 points from 10 matches, winning eight, drawing one, and losing just once. They scored 22 goals and conceded nine in the process.
Since their 5-1 defeat to Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Gabon have gone seven matches without a loss. Their recent form has been built on strong defensive discipline and a good mix of experience and emerging young talents, making them a tough side to face at this stage.
Historically, Nigeria have dominated this fixture, winning three of the last five encounters, including a 2-0 victory in their most recent meeting back in 2005. Out of nine meetings across all competitions, Gabon have only beaten Nigeria once, while three matches have ended in draws.
According to the latest FIFA World Rankings, Nigeria are positioned 41st, while Gabon sit 77th, highlighting the gap in international standing between the two sides.
Thursday’s showdown in Rabat will decide who moves on to face either Cameroon or DR Congo in the final playoff on November 16. The winner of that match will advance to the Intercontinental Playoffs in March 2026, where they will compete for a final ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, has the luxury of a full-strength squad for the crucial clash, led by star striker Victor Osimhen, who recently grabbed a hat-trick in the UEFA Champions League while playing for Galatasaray.
Defender Semi Ajayi is expected to be rested after receiving a yellow card in the 4-0 victory over Benin Republic, though he remains part of the traveling squad and will be available for selection in the final should Nigeria progress.
Ademola Lookman returns from suspension and is likely to feature in attack alongside Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze, while the experienced duo of Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi are expected to take charge in midfield.
Full-back Ola Aina continues his recovery from surgery following an injury sustained against South Africa and will not be available for this encounter.
For Gabon, veteran forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang remains the key man, having scored all four goals in their thrilling 4-3 win over Gambia in October. The former Arsenal striker missed their final group match due to suspension but returns to lead the attack, supported by Denis Bouanga.
Coach Thierry Mouyouma has largely kept faith with his existing squad, with only one new addition — Jonathan do Marcolino, a promising young centre-back currently on loan at Bourg-en-Bresse from Stade Rennais.
However, Gabon will be without several important players, including Jim Allevinah, Shavy Babicka, Medwin Biteghe, Michel Mboula, and Junior Noubi Fotso, all of whom are out injured. Defender Oumar Bagnama has also been left out due to a lack of match fitness as he prepares for the upcoming domestic season.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Nigeria possible starting lineup:
Nwabali; Frederick, Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Chukwueze, Ndidi, Iwobi, Simon; Osimhen, Lookman
Gabon possible starting lineup:
Mbaba; Onfia, M’bemba, Manga; Lemina, Kanga, Ndong, Averlant; Obiang, Bouanga, Aubameyang
EXPERT PREDICTION
Nigeria 2-1 Gabon
