African World Cup 2026 play-offs: Patrice Neveu's expert insight

In partnership with

Foot Africa

·12 November 2025

African World Cup 2026 play-offs: Patrice Neveu's expert insight

Exclusive Interview

Patrice Neveu discusses the African World Cup 2026 play-offs

OneFootball Videos

Patrice Neveu/@journalombre

African football will take center stage on Thursday, November 13, with the African play-offs for the 2026 World Cup.

The first play-off clash will pit Nigeria against Gabon, while the second sees DR Congo take on Cameroon in a high-stakes showdown.

To break down these decisive matchups, Foot Africa sought the expert opinion of former Gabon head coach, Frenchman Patrice Neveu, who kindly shared his analysis of both encounters.

DR Congo – Cameroon

This is shaping up to be an incredibly tight contest, especially as both teams are evenly matched technically and boast quality players across all areas of the pitch.It's impossible to pick a clear favorite. Truly, anything can change with a moment of brilliance, which is why individual quality often proves decisive in matches like these.In my view, it's a 50-50 contest, and it's entirely possible that the outcome will be settled by the dreaded penalty shootout.

Nigeria – Gabon

Similarly, both teams are enjoying a great run of form and seem well equipped to clinch a spot in the intercontinental play-off.Nigeria surged back strongly in the final rounds of qualifying, while Gabon put together an impressive World Cup campaign.Both sides are packed with attacking firepower and have players capable of turning the game on its head.I also believe this match is a 50-50 proposition, with a high likelihood that it will end in a stalemate.