Nigeria v Gabon live: Super Eagles battle Panthers in must-win World Cup 2026 play-off | OneFootball

Nigeria need to go through the play-offs if they are to reach the World Cup (AP)

Nigeria host Gabon today in a defining play-off which will take the winner one step closer to qualifying for the World Cup in 2026.

The Super Eagles endured a poor start to the qualifying campaign but produced a fantastic, and much-needed, winning run in their last few matches to force their way into the play-offs. That included a thrashing of Benin which sent Nigeria into the top two of African qualifying Group C.

They now take on Gabon who easily secured a play-off spot by finishing 12 points ahead of Gambia in Group F. The Panthers missed out on the automatic spot by one point, with Ivory Coast topping the group instead, but they will be confident about today’s encounter.

They are unbeaten in their last seven competitive matches and know that beating Nigeria will put them closer to the World Cup. The winner of this tie will face either Congo or Cameroon in the play-off final, with the winner of that heading to the intercontinental play-offs for a place at next summer’s tournament.

Follow along for the latest updates from the African World Cup qualifying play-offs:

Team news on the way

We’re expecting team news in a few minutes - here’s a reminder of what we know so far...

Nigeria boss Eric Chelle has close to a full-strength squad available, welcoming Ademola Lookman back from suspension to join Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze in attack. The only injury involving the Super Eagles regards Ola Aina, who has been out for a couple of months.

Gabon are also buoyed by a returning attacking talent, with talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang similarly back in contention after serving a suspension. They are without without several key players due to injury, however, including Jim Allevinah, Shavy Babicka, Medwin Biteghe, Michel Mboula and Junior Noubi Fotso.

The other side of the play-off

This afternoon’s clash between Nigeria and Gabon is only one half of the play-off, with Cameroon and DR Congo clashing later today to see who will face the winner here.

Cameroon hold the record for most apprearances by an African nation at the tournament but the eight-time participants must now go down the perilous play-off path after surrendering their lead at the top of Group D.

DR Congo, meanwhile, are hoping to stun the Indomitable Lions in pursuit of a first World Cup appearance since 1974, one which came as Zaire.

The game kicks off at 7pm GMT, also in Rabat, and is available to stream on Fifa+.

The CAF play-off final will be held on Sunday, where the final African participant in next summer’s World Cup will be decided.