The two nations are desperate to qualify for the global competition to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada in 2026. Both nations failed to get an automatic slot from their respective groups, leaving them with no option but to do it the hard way by getting past their rivals on the continent and others for a slot.
Nigeria and Gabon are set to clash on Thursday in CAF’s FIFA World Cup qualifier to be played in Morocco.
It will be a massive game for either side, with the winner playing either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo, who are also determined to represent Africa next year.
All the matches are played in Morocco, which provides no advantage to any team.
Here, GOAL brings you all the details you need to know about how to watch the match between Nigeria and Gabon, including TV channels, streaming details, team news, and more.
Coach Eric Chelle knows there is no room for mistakes, explaining why he went for blend of youth and experience against the Panthers.
In-form Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen is expected to lead the line with Ademola Lookman providing the support needed from the flank.
Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and William Troost-Ekong are expected to provide leadership in midfield and defence respectively.
Interestingly, Paul Onuachi and Victor Boniface were left out with Chelle calling up Tolu Arokodare and Akor Adams providing much-needed quality depth. Ola Aina is injured while Semi Ajayi is suspended.
Nigeria possible XI: Nwabali, Osayi-Samuel, Fredrick, Bassey, Sanusi, Ndidi, Onyeka, Iwobi, Lookman, Osimhen, Simon
Just like Chelle, Gabon tactician Thierry Mouyouma has ensured he has the best players possible for this heavy task.
Former Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leads the attack, hoping to extend his goal-scoring record, having found the net 39 times in 83 games for his country.
Nigeria will also have to keep a keen eye on Denis Bouanga, who is Gabon’s top scorer in the qualifiers. Most of the Panthers players are based in Italy, Turkey, and France, explaining why it will be an exciting game.
Gabon possible XI: Mbaba, Ecuele, Ekomie, Averlant, Oyono, N’Dong, Kanga, N. Lemina, M. Lemina, Bouanga, Aubameyang
The Super Eagles recovered from poor showings in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers to end on a high. They won three of their last four games in the pool, and drew 1-1 with Bafana Bafana to get a play-offs ticket ahead of Benin, who could have qualified with a win in the final game.
Nigeria ended with 17 points after four wins, five draws, and a loss.
Gabon were just unlucky to be pooled with the in-form Ivory Coast. The Panthers had 25 points from 10 games after eight wins, a draw, and a loss. The Elephants afforded eight wins and two draws, which saw them finish with 26 points.
In the head-to-head record, history favours Nigeria, who have won five of the last nine meetings across all competitions. Gabona have won once with three matches ending in a draw.
The last meeting between the teams was in the 2006 World Cup qualifier, where strikes from Nwankwo Kanu and Julius Aghahowa gave the Super Eagles a 2-0 victory.
