Nigeria’s Super Eagles are set to face Gabon on Thursday at the Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan in Rabat in a 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff semi-final.
A win would not only revive their World Cup hopes but also restore national pride after a turbulent qualifying campaign.
The Super Eagles missed automatic qualification and are now relying on this playoff as a second chance to secure a place at the tournament in North America next year.
We believe in the players and their ability to make Nigeria proud, not only on Thursday, but throughout these playoffs. We have a team capable of earning a World Cup ticket,
said Nigeria Football Federation President Ibrahim Musa Gusau.
Head coach Eric Chelle will likely lean on an experienced core, with Stanley Nwabali expected in goal and a defensive line featuring Benjamin Frederick, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, and Zaidu Sanusi.
The midfield duo of Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi will aim to control possession, supported by Frank Onyeka’s defensive energy.
Upfront, Victor Osimhen remains Nigeria’s main threat, leading the attack alongside Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman, recently back from suspension.
Osimhen has 29 goals in 44 appearances for Nigeria and scored six during the qualifiers.
Gabon, coached by Thierry Mouyouma, have enjoyed strong form, going unbeaten in seven matches since a 5-1 loss to Morocco.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who scored four goals in Gabon’s 4-3 win over Gambia, will spearhead the attack, supported by midfielders Guélor Kanga and Mario Lemina.
We know that Nigeria, a great African team, is the favourite, and our underdog status suits us just fine,
Mouyouma said.
Nigeria will be under more pressure, which is understandable. But while we respect them for everything they represent, we’re not afraid of them.
Gabon finished runners-up in Group F with 25 points, narrowly behind Ivory Coast, while Nigeria aims to avoid consecutive World Cup absences for the first time since 1994.
Thursday’s clash will determine who meets the winner of Cameroon vs DR Congo in Sunday’s playoff final, with the victor advancing to the Intercontinental Playoffs in March 2026.
