The Super Eagles of Nigeria square up with the Panthers of Gabon on November 13, 2025 (today) in Rabat, Morocco, in a decisive Confederation of African Football (CAF) playoff encounter for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria secured a place as a top runner-up in the African qualifiers, after a 4–0 victory over the Benin Republic that featured a memorable Victor Osimhen hat-trick.
Gabon came up strongly in Group F behind the Ivory Coast to secure their own playoff ticket.
The winner of today’s encounter will face the winner of Cameroon vs Democratic Republic of Congo clash on 16 November.
The winner of that final would head for the playoff stage for a possible World Cup berth.
share a long history dating back six decades. Out of Nigeria and Gabon past encounters for six decades Nigeria have won five, with three draws and one Gabonese victory in nine clashes.
Gabon pulled a 2-1 upset in June 1989 that ultimately denied Nigeria a place at the Italia ’90 World Cup.
The Super Eagles have gone unbeaten in their last four qualifiers and will confidently tackle Gabon that had suffered three defeats and a draw in the hands of Nigeria in their last four encounters.
Gabon, on the other hand, have upped their game under coach Thierry Mouyouma, scoring 22 goals in 10 qualifying matches, but their record against Africa’s elite remains was worrisome, with four loses and a draw against top-ranked teams since Mouyouma’s appointment.
Players to watch on both sides are Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) – the in-form Galatasaray goal poacher remains Nigeria’s deadliest striker against Gabon. Osimhen has banged in 29 goals in 43 appearances, with just eight goals shy of breaking the late Rashidi Yekini’s all-time scoring record for the Super Eagles. His pace, strength and clinical finishing will be crucial in Rabat.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon) who is 36 years old and Olympique de Marseille forward continues to defy age. He scored all the goals for Gabon’s thrilling 4-3 victory over Gambia, keeping their World Cup hopes alive. His pace and eye for goal must make the Eagles’ keep its defence very tight.
