Gabon have only ever won one of nine previous meetings with Nigeria, this a 2-1 World Cup qualifying victory in Libreville in 1989. The Super Eagles have won three of four subsequent encounters against the Panthers, although the pair have not met for two decades.
Nigeria vs Gabon preview
Matches do not come much bigger than this, with four African nations seeking to keep their World Cup dreams alive. Elsewhere on Thursday, Cameroon and DR Congo clash in the other semi-final in 3.5 miles across Rabat, with the winners of Sunday's final booking their place in March's inter-confederation play-offs, thereby remaining in World Cup contention. Thus, who will remain in the hunt and who will see their hopes go up in flames?
Nigeria are one of the traditional powerhouses of African football, having won three AFCON titles and appeared at six World Cups since their debut in 1994. However, the Super Eagles were not in Qatar three years ago, just the second edition they've missed out on during this period, having been heartbreakingly beaten by neighbours Ghana on away goals in the play-offs.
Well, after reaching the final of the most-recent AFCON in February 2024, beaten 2-1 by Côte d'Ivoire in Abidjan, they came into this qualification campaign with sky-high expectations, but almost completely messed it up. Nigeria drew five of their ten group games, ignominiously dropping points against Lesotho and Zimbabwe twice, also beaten by Benin, so had to settle for second spot in Group C behind South Africa, despite winning both games last month. Head coach Éric Chelle though is yet to lose any of his nine matches in charge, but this do-or-tie semi-final is where it really counts.
As for Gabon, in stark contrast, they have never previously qualified for the World Cup, despite becoming AFCON regulars in recent times, appearing for six of the last eight editions, including the one that commences next month. Now though, les Panthères are dreaming of a World Cup debut and, despite being natural underdogs in this tie, cannot be written off.
Thierry Mouyouma's team were ultra-impressive in their group, winning eight of ten matches, scoring 22 goals and conceding nine. They lost only once, but were denied top spot by Côte d'Ivoire, who did not concede a single goal throughout the campaign. So, despite their lack of historic pedigree, Gabon will be no push-overs, so can they cause a massive shock at Moulay Hassan Stadium?
Nigeria vs Gabon head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 9.
- Nigeria Wins: 5. Draws: 3. Gabon Wins: 1.
Nigeria team news
Éric Chelle is without Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina, who suffered a hamstring injury against South Africa in September, while Celtic striker Kelechi Ịheanachọ is also currently sidelined.
There will though be plenty of familiar faces in his lineup, including William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey as the centre-back pairing, the former deputising in place of Semi Ajayi who is suspended.
Frank Onyeka could return to partner captain Wilfried Ndidi at the base of midfield, while Chelle has an array of attacking options from which to choose. Fulham duo Alex Iwobi and Samu Chukwueze are set to start out-wide, but Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon and others aren't bad alternatives.
Nigeria predicted lineup vs Gabon: (4-4-2): Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Sanusi; Ndidi, Onyeka, Chukwueze, Iwobi; Arokodare, Osimhen.
Nigeria player to watch vs Gabon
Victor Osimhen remains the Super Eagles' main man for goals. His hat-trick against Benin in Uyo last month takes his tally to 29, only Rashidi Yekini (37) has netted more the Nigeria, on top of his nine for Galatasaray this season, so can Osimhen fire his nation to victory in Rabat?
Gabon team news
Gabon are missing centre-back Mick Omfia due to yellow card accumulation but, other than that, Thierry Mouyouma's team are at full strength.
Mario Lemina and Didier Ndong, both once of Premier League clubs, will be les Panthères' midfield linchpins. In attack, Denis Bouanga will be seeking to add to his 16 international goals. The 30 year old is one of the best players in Major League Soccer, having bagged 101 goals in 151 appearances for LAFC, 32 of which have come in 2025 to date.
Gabon predicted lineup vs Nigeria: (4-3-3): Mbaba; Oyono, Ecuele Manga, M'Bemba, Ekomié; Ndong, Lemina, Kanga; Do Marcolino, Bouanga, Aubameyang.
Gabon player to watch vs Nigeria
Having said all of that about Bouanga, the undisputed star of this team remains Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The veteran has scored 39 times for Gabon, including bagging all four during a 4-3 victory over Gambia last month, before being sent off. Aubameyang was on target as Marseille beat Brest 3-0 on Saturday, so can he now keep his nation's World Cup dreams alive?
Nigeria vs Gabon prediction
This huge tie truly could go either-way, but we give Nigeria the slight edge, thanks to their supirior attacking talent, with goals surely guaranteed at Moulay Hassan Stadium: Nigeria 2-1 Gabon.
Nigeria vs Gabon FAQs - World Cup qualifier
How to watch Nigeria vs Gabon in World Cup qualification on TV channel?
Nigeria vs Gabon in World Cup qualification will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: FIFA+
- USA: ESPN Select & fuboTV
How to watch Nigeria vs Gabon in World Cup qualification on live streaming?
Nigeria vs Gabon in World Cup qualification will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: FIFA+
- USA: ESPN Select & fuboTV
What is the date and kick-off time for Nigeria vs Gabon in World Cup qualification?
Nigeria vs Gabon takes place on Thursday 13 November 2025, with kick off at 16:00 (GMT), 11:00 (ET) & 8:00 (PT).