Nigeria will be hoping to keep their World Cup hopes alive when they take on Gabon in the semi-final of the African playoffs on Thursday evening in Rabat.
The Super Eagles, led by Victor Osimhen, defeated Benin to finish second in their group and salvage a very inconsistent qualification campaign. They now have a chance to progress to Sunday's final, where they would meet the winner of the other semi-final between Cameroon and DR Congo.
Failure to qualify for the tournament would mark the first time Nigeria have missed back-to-back World Cups since making their tournament debut in the US back in 1994 and could possibly cost manager Eric Chelle his job.
The three-time Africa Cup of Nations champions will be favourites here but Gabon, captained by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, are no pushover having only finished a point behind Ivory Coast in qualification. They are also unbeaten in their last seven games.
Will the Super Eagles continue to fly or can Gabon clip their wings and stun Africa? AllSportsPeople brings you this betting preview complete with the latest tips and odds ahead of this huge clash.
EXPLAINED: How the draw works for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Nigeria vs. Gabon preview: Who will win?
While Gabon are unbeaten in seven games, Nigeria have also picked up their form of late with no defeats in their last six putting them in a good place ahead of the playoffs.
This will be the first of three games the Super Eagles will need to win to qualify for next summer's tournament but expect them to get past this hurdle with relative ease.
BET NOW: Who will win the World Cup? | England odds to win the tournament
Head-to-Head: Nigeria vs. Gabon
- The countries have met on nine occasions with the first coming in 1965.
- Nigeria have won five games to Gabon's one while there has also been three draws.
- Their last clash came in March 2002 when Nigeria won 2-0 in a World Cup qualifier.
Nigeria vs. Gabon: Form Guide
Nigeria – Last 5 Matches (All Competitions)
- Nigeria 4-0 Benin (World Cup qualifier)
- Lesotho 1-2 Nigeria (World Cup qualifier)
- South Africa 1-1 Nigeria (World Cup qualifier)
- Nigeria 1-0 Rwanda (World Cup qualifier)
- Nigeria 2-0 Congo (Africa Nations Championship)
Gabon – Last 5 Matches (All Competitions)
- Gabon 2-0 Burundi (World Cup qualifier)
- Gambia 3-4 Gabon (World Cup qualifier)
- Gabon 0-0 Ivory Coast (World Cup qualifier)
- Seychelles 0-4 Gabon (World Cup qualifier)
- Gabon 2-0 Guinea-Bissau (friendly)
Nigeria vs. Gabon Score Prediction
Nigeria's star power should prove too much for Gabon in the end with Victor Osimhen in brilliant form ahead of a pivotal few days for his country.
The Galatasaray striker is the current top scorer in the Champions League with six goals in just three games while he hit a hat-trick in the big win over Benin that booked the Super Eagles their spot in the playoffs. Expect him to help them to victory again here with a goal or two.
Prediction: Nigeria 3-1 Gabon (18/1 with Bet365)
MORE: Top November events | How odds work | How to bet in-play | Free betting games
Nigeria vs. Gabon Team News
Nigeria Team News
- Chelle has a fully-fit squad to pick from although defender Semi Ajayi may sit out to avoid being suspended for a potential final on Sunday.
- Ademola Lookman is back from his own ban and will join Victor Osimhen in a very exciting frontline.
Gabon Team News
- Gabon's hopes will fall once more on their best-ever player, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is in fine form for both club and country.
- They have injury worries though with Jim Allevinah, Shavy Babicka, Medwin Biteghe, Michel Mboula, and Junior Noubi Fotso all missing for the crunch clash.
Nigeria vs. Gabon Lineups: Predicted starting XI's
This is how we think these two sides will lineup with Ademola Lookman partnering Victor Osimhen in a potentially potent Nigerian frontline and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leading the line for Gabon.
Nigeria predicted lineup to play Gabon
(4-4-2) Nwabali (GK) — Frederick, Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi — Chukwueze, Ndidi, Iwobi, Simon — Osimhen, Lookman
Gabon predicted lineup to play Nigeria
(4-2-3-1) Mbaba (GK) — Onfia, M’bemba, Manga — Lemina, Kanga, Ndong, Averlant — Obiang, Bouanga, Aubameyang
Nigeria vs. Gabon betting odds
- Nigeria to Win: 17/20 Bet365
- Gabon to Win: 2/1 Bet365
- Draw: 17/4 Bet365
Bet Builder Tips: Nigeria vs. Gabon
Our bet builder for this one is Nigeria to win with a -1 handicap, both teams to score and Victor Osimhen to get on the scoresheet. This comes to overall best odds of 32.9/1 with Bet365 You can build your own bet builder and compare the best bookmaker prices using the tool below.
How to watch Nigeria vs. Gabon: Live stream, TV channel
Here's all the key information on how to watch Nigeria vs. Gabon in the World Cup playoff.
- Date: Thursday, November 13
- Venue: Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Rabat, Morocco
- Time: 4:00 p.m.
- TV/Stream: FIFA+
Can Nigeria still qualify for World Cup 2026?
Yes, Nigeria can still reach the finals as they enter the CAF playoff phase, which they qualified for as one of the four best second-placed teams.
Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon and DR Congo will compete in a mini-tournament, with the top-ranked side Nigeria according to FIFA rankings (Nigeria) facing the lowest (Gabon), and the second-highest (Cameroon) drawn against the second-lowest (DR Congo).
All three games will be staged in Morocco (two semi-finals and final). The two semi-finals are on November 13 before the final on 16 November - the winner will advance to the intercontinental playoff round, where a chance to reach the World Cup will be up for grabs.