Nigeria meet Gabon in Rabat on Thursday in a neutral-venue semifinal that sits two wins from the 2026 World Cup. The winner advances to Sunday’s playoff final, then to March’s inter-confederation playoffs for a last shot at a ticket.
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This is a matchup of pedigree and momentum. Nigeria returned to form with a 4-0 win over Benin to seal their spot, while Gabon arrived as Group F runners-up with a strong defensive base and a veteran front line.
Head-to-head leans Nigeria. Across nine meetings, the Super Eagles have five wins to Gabon’s one, with three draws. Their last meeting in 2005 ended 2-0 to Nigeria. With a neutral ground in Rabat, there is no home-field edge to skew that record.
Form windows sharpen the picture. Nigeria’s last 6 overall: WDWDWW, an unbeaten run that includes back-to-back wins and points to improved control late in qualifying.
Gabon’s last 6 overall: LWWDWW, part of a longer stretch without defeat since a setback to Morocco in AFCON qualifying, a cue that the Panthers travel with confidence.
Styles and tactical hinge: control vs transition. Nigeria’s wide supply through Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze supported Victor Osimhen in the Benin win, suggesting a direct route to chances. Gabon counter with structure and speed through Denis Bouanga and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, which suits a transition game on a neutral surface.
Team news gives Nigeria options. Ademola Lookman returns from suspension to join the forward pool, while Ola Aina remains sidelined. Semi Ajayi has been managed after a booking but stays available. For Gabon, Aubameyang leads the line with Bouanga; several squad members are out injured, and young centre-back Jonathan do Marcolino has been added for depth. Each note nudges the battle toward Nigeria’s attack versus Gabon’s defensive shape.
Probable lineups and shapes (as projected):
Nigeria (4-3-3): Nwabali; Fredrick, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Iwobi, Ndidi, Onyeka; Simon, Osimhen, Chukwueze.
Gabon (3-4-3): Mbaba; Onfia, M’Bemba, Manga; Lemina, Kanga, Ndong, Averlant; Obiang, Bouanga, Aubameyang.
Numbers to watch
• Nigeria are unbeaten in their last 6 overall (WDWDWW), a simple signal of stability entering a knockout setting.
• Gabon’s last 6 overall include 4 wins, and they have not lost since their October run into the playoffs, a counter that underlines resilience.
Where to watch
FIFA+ lists the fixture at 17:00 local at Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium, with global streaming information on its match hub.
