Is This What Nigeria’s Starting XI Will Be Against Gabon?

Nigeria will face Gabon on Thursday in a crucial do-or-die match in their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Nigeria, as a result of finishing second in CAF Group C in the previous round of qualifiers, will face Gabon in the play-off semi-final, with a potential final against either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo on the horizon.

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The eventual winner of that final will then progress into the intercontinental play-off in March 2026, where the final World Cup place will be up for grabs – meaning Thursday’s semi-final is just the first in a potentially long line of important fixtures. Here is how Nigeria should line up on Thursday:

GK – Stanley Nwabili

The goalkeeper has been a main-stay for Nigeria, and Nwabili is expected to keep his place between the sticks.

RB – Benjamin Fredrick

Fredrick has started to feature more regularly for Nigeria in recent international breaks, and the defender is anticipated to retain his starting position at right-back in the continued absence of Ola Aina.

CB – William Troost-Ekong

The Super Eagles captain was on the bench for their 4-0 win over Benin last time out, but the defender is expected to return to the starting team.

CB – Calvin Bassey

Bassey has often serves as Troost-Ekong’s partner at the heart of the defence, and that partnership is anticipated to feature once again.

LB – Zaidu Sanusi

Sanusi started ahead of Bruno Onyemaechi in their 4-0 win against Benin, and the defender could keep his starting position against Gabon.

RM – Samuel Chukwueze

Chukwueze was impressive in that vital 4-0 win, picking up two superb assists, and the winger will be relied upon to make a creative impact once again against Gabon.

CM – Wilfred Ndidi

Ndidi often serves as the defensive-minded midfielder for Nigeria, and the experienced midfielder should start in that familiar role once again on Thursday.

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CM – Alex Iwobi

Iwobi has featured in a plethora of positions for both club and country throughout his career, but the midfielder started alongside Ndidi last time out, and Eric Chelle could look to name the same midfield two in this one.

LM – Moses Simon

Simon, similarly to Chukwueze, registered two assists in their crucial 4-0 victory, and given his continued impressive start to the season, the winger should start in this one.

ST – Victor Osimhen

Undoubtedly Nigeria’s superstar player, Osimhen scored a fabulous hat-trick to lead Nigeria into the play-offs in their 4-0 win against Benin, and the Super Eagles star will certainly start against Gabon.

ST – Ademola Lookman

Lookman is also among the most-talented players in this Nigeria squad, and the attacker should return to the starting 11 after missing out on the victory over Benin.

Do you agree with that starting XI? Get your line-ups in below!