Nigeria’s bid for a place in next year’s World Cup continues when they face Gabon in the second round of the CAF qualification tournament.
Thanks to their impressive 4-0 demolition of the Benin Republic in their last qualification game played in Uyo, Eric Chelle’s men finished as runners-up in Group C to qualify as one of the best four runners-ups.
Just like the three-time African champions, the Panthers – who racked up eight wins and one draw in 10 matches – missed out on automatic qualification by a slim margin, as they finished just one point behind reigning African champions the Ivory Coast.
Regardless, their journey for a maiden World Cup appearance continues as they aim to claim the sole ticket to the inter-confederation playoffs. However, they must first negotiate their way past the Super Eagles.
Nigeria, however, have recently been in the spotlight for the wrong reasons, as players boycotted training over unpaid match bonuses. If the standoff with the Nigeria Football Federation is resolved in time, the semi-final clash will go ahead as scheduled. If not, Gabon, led by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, could advance to face DR Congo or Cameroon in the final.
Below, Flashscore brings you all the key details ahead of this decisive encounter, including the kick-off time, broadcast information, referee appointments, and everything else you need to know as the battle draws near.
When is the World Cup playoff?
The match between Nigeria and Gabon is scheduled for 16:00 West African Time on Thursday, November 13.
Where can you watch the game on TV?
Date: November 13th, 2025
Time: 16:00 WAT
Channels: SuperSport, FIFA YouTube
Who's in Nigeria's squad?
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy)
Defenders: Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France), Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England), Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England), Benjamin Fredericks (Dender, Belgium), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal), William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England), Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA)
Forwards: Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain), Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham, England), Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, Spain), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy), Olakunle Olusegun (Nizhny Novgorod, Russia), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey), Moses Simon (Paris FC, France).
Possible XI: Nwabali, Frederick, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi, Simon, Ndidi, Iwobi, Lookman, Osimhen
Who's in Gabon's squad?
Goalkeepers: François Junior Bekale (Hafia, Guinea), Loyce Mbaba (Stella d'Adjamé, Cote d’Ivoire), Lukas Mounguenou (Paris St Germain, France), Demba Anse Ngoubi (Mosta, Malta)
Defenders: Aaron Appindangoye (Sivasspor, Turkey), Jonathan do Marcolino (Bourg-en-Bresse, France), Jacques Ekomie (Angers, France), Bruno Ecuele Manga (Paris 13 Atletico, France), Yannis Mbemba (FC Dordrecht, Netherlands), Johan Obiang (Orleans, France), Mike Kila Onfia (Hafia, Guinea), Anthony Oyono, Jérémy Oyono (both Frosinone, Italy)
Midfielders: Oumar Samake Nze Bagnama (Stade Abdijan, Cote d’Ivoire), Eric Bocoum (Gol Gohar, Iran), Guelor Kanga (Esenler Erokspor, Turkey), Mario Lemina (Galatasaray, Turkey), Didier Ndong (Esteghlal, Iran), André Biyogho Poko (Amed, Turkey)
Forwards: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Olympique de Marseille, France), Teddy Averlant (Amiens, France), Denis Bouanga (Los Angeles FC, USA), Alan do Marcolino (Lusitânia Lourosa, Portugal), Randy Essang Matouti (Khenchela, Algeria), Noha Lemina (Yverdon Sport, Switzerland), Bryan Meyo (Oympique Lyonnais, France).
Possible XI: Mbaba, Ecuele Manga, Onfia, M'Bemba, Lemina, Kanga, Ndong, Obiang, Marcolino, Bouanga, Aubameyang
Where is the match?
Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Rabat
This stadium has been home to FUS Rabat since 2012. Originally renovated in 2012, the stadium had a seating capacity of 22,000 before it was demolished in 2024 to make way for Morocco’s preparations to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The redevelopment aimed to transform the stadium into a modern urban venue, integrating commercial centres and public spaces to actively contribute to Rabat’s city life.
Its design blends traditional Moroccan craftsmanship, using glazed terracotta, with advanced engineering, creating a striking, contemporary structure. The stadium not only reflects Moroccan culture but also emphasises sustainability, standing as an iconic addition to the capital’s skyline.
What has been said?
Benin Republic coach Thierry Mouyouma is aware of Nigeria’s strength, but even so, he claims that the Panthers will approach the game with confidence and without fear.
“We know that Nigeria, a great African nation, are the favourites, and our status as an outsider suits us very well,” Mouyouma told Afrik Foot.
“Nigeria will have more pressure, which makes sense. But if we respect this team for everything they represent, we don’t fear it.
“We know the value of its workforce, the dangers that are Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. And I think Nigeria knows us very well.
“We know that to play in the World Cup, you will have to beat the Super Eagles, then DR Congo or Cameroon, and one or two teams in March. It is a long journey. We knew it, but these games will advance the team and the technical staff.
“There are big stakes, and emotionally, I prefer that we play games like the one on November 13, like those of the AFCON, than friendly matches.”
Who will officiate the game?
Tom Abongile of South Africa will take charge as the referee, with Zakhele Siwela assisting on the sidelines, while Akhona Makalima will handle the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) responsibilities.
Follow the match with Flashscore
