Thursday afternoon at the Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat sees Nigeria take on Gabon in a 2025 FIFA World Cup qualification playoff semi-final. Both sides are 2 wins away from keeping their 2026 World Cup dreams alive, with the victor set to face either Cameroon or DR Congo in the final playoff.
Nigeria have momentum on their side. After finishing as one of the best second-placed teams in Africa, they are unbeaten in 6 matches across all competitions, including wins in their last 2. The squad boasts experience and star power, led by Victor Osimhen, who recently scored a Champions League hat-trick for Galatasaray. Ademola Lookman returns from suspension, while Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi will control the midfield. Full-back Ola Aina remains sidelined as he continues his recovery.
Gabon qualified as runners-up in Group F and are unbeaten in their last 7 matches since a 5–1 loss to Morocco. Thierry Mouyouma’s side are built on a strong defensive base and are led by veteran Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who scored all four goals in their 4–3 win over Gambia. Denis Bouanga will support him in attack, but Gabon are without several key players through injury. Historically, Nigeria holds the upper hand. The Super Eagles have won 3 of the last 5 meetings, including a 2–0 victory in 2005. Across 9 encounters, Gabon have only beaten Nigeria once, while Nigeria have claimed 5 wins and 3 draws. FIFA rankings underline the gap: Nigeria sit 41st, Gabon 77th.For football lovers, this is going to be a cracker of a game; there will be blood, there will be tears. Dreams will continue, and dreams will end.
Nigeria vs Gabon: Key Stats
📊 Head-to-head: Nigeria 5 win, Gabon 1 win, Draw 3
📊 Gabon: Unbeaten in last 7 matches across all competitions
📊 Nigeria: Unbeaten in 61 of last 71 home matches (all comps)
📊 Gabon: Unbeaten in 10 of last 11 matches (all comps)
📊 Nigeria: Clean sheets in last 3 home matches (all comps)
Predicted Lineups
Republic of Ireland (4-4-2): Kelleher; O'Brien, Collins, O'Shea; Coleman, Cullen, Taylor, Johnston; Ebosele, Azaz; Parrott
Portugal (4-3-3): Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Inacio, Mendes; Fernandes, Neves, Vitinha; Bernardo, Ronaldo, Leao
Players and Matchups to Watch
🔹 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – Veteran forward and Gabon’s talisman.
🔹 Wilfred Ndidi – Midfield anchor for Nigeria, key to controlling tempo.
🔹 Denis Bouanga – Creative spark and goal threat for Gabon.
Odds Market on MSport
💵 Draw: 3.25
💵 Gabon to win: 4.96
💵 Over 2.5 Goals: 2.77
💵 Osimhen Anytime Goalscorer: 2.76
💵 Aubameyang Anytime Goalscorer: 4.30
Nigeria are favourites given their record, form and firepower, but Gabon are unbeaten in 7 and boast an experienced attack. Expect a tense, competitive clash where quality finishing may decide the outcome
