Nigeria and Gabon are set to clash on Thursday evening in a pivotal CAF playoff semi-final clash, the first step in a long journey to eventually reach the intercontinental tournament and ultimately attempt to secure their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria vs Gabon
Thursday 13 November, 17:00
Moulay Hassan Stadium
Nigeria endured an extremely challenging World Cup qualifying campaign in CAF Group C, only narrowly keeping their hopes of reaching the 2026 tournament alive thanks to a last-gasp 4-0 victory over Benin on the final matchday.
That victory ensured they finished above Benin and in second place on goal difference, with the two teams joint on 17 points, while it also narrowly ensured that they finished as one of the top runners-up across the CAF qualifiers in order to book their spot in this semi-final.
What is your ?? vs ?? score prediction? ? pic.twitter.com/GPTqeFDgq4
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) November 13, 2025
Despite their earlier struggles in the qualifiers, Nigeria have looked significantly improved in their most recent outings, including heading into Thursday’s semi-final encounter unbeaten in their last five games, with four wins and one draw.
Eric Chelle will be hoping his Super Eagles side can continue that improved form when they take on Gabon, and while Nigeria are the favourites, their opponents are sure to prove a difficult opposition.
Gabon comfortably finished second in CAF Group F with 25 points, 12 clear of third-placed Gambia, while they were only narrowly one point behind a first-placed finish as Ivory Coast ultimately won the group with 26 points.
Gabon are also in strong form as they head into this semi-final clash, with their eye on progressing all the way to the FIFA World Cup, as they have won four and drawn one of their last five outings.
Team News
Following Nigeria’s fantastic 4-0 win against Benin on the final matchday of CAF group-stage qualifiers, Chelle could look to name a largely unchanged starting 11 in this meeting with Gabon.
One change could see Ademola Lookman return to the starting attack to partner with Victor Osimhen, who scored a stunning hat-trick in that victory, with Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze starting from wide positions.
Captain William Troost-Ekong could also return to the starting team ahead of Semi Ajayi to partner Calvin Bassey in central defence.
As for Gabon, standout star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was suspended for Gabon’s final match in Group F against Burundi after receiving a red card in their stunning 4-3 victory over Gambia, which saw the striker score all four goals.
The forward has now served his suspension and will certainly lead the line against the Super Eagles, likely to start alongside Denis Bouanga and Johann Obiang.
Nigeria Predicted XI: Nwabili; Fredrick, Bassey, Troost-Ekong, Sanusi; Chukwueze, Ndidi, Iwobi, Simon; Osimhen, Lookman
Gabon Predicted XI: Mbaba; Averlant, Manga, Onfia, M’Bemba; Lemina, Kanga, Ndong; Obiang, Bouanga, Aubameyang
Everything on the line. One game at a time ???
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) November 13, 2025
Let’s keep the dream alive, Super Eagles ? pic.twitter.com/AccMOdQtdi
Bet9ja Tips
While Gabon have the firepower in attack to cause Nigeria problems, the Super Eagles are undeniably the stronger team across the pitch and will be expected to claim a comfortable victory. You can get odds of this to happen inside 90 minutes of 1.88 with Bet9ja.
Osimhen is certainly Nigeria’s star player, demonstrated by scoring a vital hat-trick in their last-gasp 4-0 win against Benin, and we are backing the Galatasaray forward to get another pivotal goal for the Super Eagles in this one.
You can get odds of Osimhen to score anytime against Gabon of 2.40 with Bet9ja.
With World Cup dreams on the line, both sides are expected to come out swinging in this do-or-die playoff. Nigeria have scored in each of their last four matches and averaged 1.5 goals per game in qualifying, while Gabon were one of the most dangerous attacking teams in Africa, hitting 22 goals in ten matches. The Panthers have found the net in seven of their last eight games and will pose a real threat.
Both teams have the firepower to make this a tense, open contest – and goals at both (GG) at 2.23 look likely.
Bet9ja Odds (at time of writing): Nigeria win: 1.88, Draw: 3.15, Gabon win: 5.20 (inside 90 minutes)
Nigeria to win in 90 – Booking Code: 3PCTMSW – Click Here
Victor Osimhen to Score Anytime – Booking Code: 3PCTLMC – Click Here
Both Teams to Score Booking Code – Booking Code: 3PCTL5T – Click Here
