Super Eagles to face Gabon in 2026 World Cup play-off
By Tosin Omojola –
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been drawn to face Gabon in the semi-finals of the African play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The fixture was confirmed on Tuesday following the conclusion of the qualifying group stage. Nigeria secured their place in the play-offs after a commanding 4–0 victory over Benin Republic, while Gabon finished second in Group F with a 2–0 win against Burundi.
Also advancing to the play-offs are DR Congo and Cameroon, who emerged as runners-up in their respective groups behind Senegal and Cape Verde.
The four teams — Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon, and DR Congo — will compete for Africa’s final World Cup slot in Morocco from November 13 to 16, 2025.
According to CAF’s format, Nigeria, expected to remain the highest-ranked African side in the upcoming FIFA rankings on October 23, will take on Gabon, the lowest-ranked of the quartet. Cameroon will face DR Congo in the second semi-final.
Winners of both semi-finals will clash in a single-leg final on November 16, with the overall victor advancing to the inter-confederation play-offs in March 2026 for a chance to qualify for the World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Nine African nations have already qualified directly for the 2026 World Cup, while the play-offs offer the continent one last opportunity to secure an additional spot in the expanded 48-team tournament.
