Nigeria and Gabon are set to battle it out in a crucial FIFA World Cup playoff semi-final at Morocco’s Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat on Thursday, November 13. Kick-off is scheduled for 7 pm EAT, with the winner moving closer to the FIFA Play-Off Tournament, where two final World Cup spots are at stake.
The match forms part of a mini-tournament featuring Africa’s four best-performing second-placed teams. Each semi-final victor will progress to the final, keeping their World Cup dreams alive. Nigeria, who missed the 2022 World Cup, are eager to return to football’s biggest stage, while Gabon is chasing a historic first appearance.
Gabon secured second place in Group F behind 2023 Africa Cup of Nations champions Côte d’Ivoire but emerged as the best-performing runner-up. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Denis Bouanga have been standout performers for the Panthers, with Aubameyang netting seven goals in five matches and Bouanga adding eight goals alongside three assists in 10 games. Bouanga could mark his 50th international cap if selected, adding extra motivation.
Nigeria finished second in Group C after a resounding 4-0 win over Benin on the final day, just one point behind group winners South Africa. Under French coach Éric Chelle, the Super Eagles remain unbeaten since his appointment in January, registering four wins and two draws, and carry strong momentum into the Morocco showdown.
Key players for Nigeria include Ademola Lookman, returning from suspension to join Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze in attack, while Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi are expected to dictate the midfield. Defender Ola Aina remains sidelined. Gabon welcomes back Aubameyang from suspension but faces injury setbacks to Jim Allevinah, Shavy Babicka, Medwin Biteghe, Michel Mboula, and Junior Noubi Fotso.
Probable Lineups:
Nigeria: Stanley Nwabali, Kevin Frederick, William Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Chidozie Onyemaechi, Samuel Chukwueze, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Victor Osimhen.
Gabon: Loyce Mbaba, François Junior Bekale, Aaron Appindangoyé, Bruno Ecuele Manga, Johann Serge Obiang, Mick Kila Onfia, Guélor Kanga, Didier Ibrahim Ndong, Loïc Averlant, Denis Bouanga, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Both teams face immense pressure, with Gabon eager to overcome the disappointment of narrowly missing group leadership and Nigeria determined to continue their late surge toward the World Cup.
