The Super Eagles are gearing up to face Gabon’s Panthers in a decisive 2026 World Cup playoff semi-final at Stade Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco.
On Thursday, the team confirmed via their official X account that Wilfred Ndidi will captain the side for the match. Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams will lead the attack, while Alex Iwobi is set to mark his 90th appearance for Nigeria.
Nigeria Starting XI vs Gabon:
23. Stanley Nwabali (GK), 2. Benjamin Frederick, 3. Zaidu Sanusi, 4. Wilfred Ndidi (C), 6. Calvin Bassey, 9. Victor Osimhen, 11. Samuel Chukwueze, 15. Akor Adams, 17. Alex Iwobi, 20. Ademola Lookman, 21. Bright Osayi-Samuel
Substitutes: Maduka Okoye, Ola Aina, Frank Onyeka, Michael Onyemaechi, Abdullahi, Moses Simon, Obasogie, Nwadike, Chidozie Awaziem, Olusegun
Kick-off was scheduled for 5 pm Nigerian time, with a victory crucial for Nigeria’s chances of reaching the playoff final and keeping their World Cup hopes alive after a mixed qualifying campaign.
Match Highlights (First Half):
- 00’ – Kick-off: Super Eagles start the game.
- 02’ – Nigeria wins an early free-kick; Zaidu Sanusi’s delivery goes straight to the keeper.
- 06’ – Yellow card for Wilfred Ndidi following a reckless tackle on Manga.
- 14’ – Nigeria misses a chance after a scramble in the Gabon box.
- 16’ – Another opportunity for Nigeria as Osimhen heads wide.
- 18’ – Osimhen appears to pick up a knock after a collision with a Gabon player.
- 20’ – Gabon’s keeper saves another header from Osimhen.
- 25’ – Near miss for Nigeria as Gabon keeper blocks a shot on the line.
- 35’ – Zaidu makes a crucial defensive block.
- 43’ – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang receives a yellow card for a foul on Frederick.
- 44’ – Nwabali keeps Nigeria in the game with a vital save.
- 45+ – Frederick makes a key challenge to deny Aubameyang.
Half-time: The first half ends goalless, with neither side able to break the deadlock.
45′ – Back underway in Rabat.
46′ – Play briefly halted due to a ball issue; referee replaces it.
47′ – No changes at the break. In this one-legged tie, the first goal could open the game wide.
51′ – Free-kick to Gabon after Openda is fouled by Sanusi. The ball is whipped in and cleared, though Gabon appeal for a penalty.
52′ – VAR review underway as the referee goes to the screen.
56′ – NO PENALTY! Appindangoye’s shirt was pulled by Osayi-Samuel in the box, but the referee awards only a corner.
58′ – VAR drama concludes after a lengthy review, causing a brief stoppage.
60′ – Gabon start the second half stronger. Nigeria make a double substitution: Lookman and Chukwueze off for Simon and Ejuke.
63′ – More Gabon pressure forces Osimhen to head behind for a corner.
65′ – Gabon win three consecutive corners but fail to threaten. Nigeria counter as Ecuele Manga cuts out Ejuke’s cross for a corner.
69′ – Almost a chance for Osimhen as Sanusi swings in a cross, but the ball evades the striker.
71′ – Nigeria weather Gabon’s early second-half pressure. The first goal could prove decisive as the match enters a critical stage.
74′ – Concern for Nigeria goalkeeper Nwabali, who appears injured and may not continue.
75′ – Gabon make a double change: Meyo and N. Lemina on; Openda and Poko off.
76′ – Nwabali recovers quickly and continues.
78′ – GOAL! Nigeria lead! Akor Adams pounces on a poor back pass by Appindangoye to break the deadlock.
82′ – Osimhen breaks through but lifts the ball wide; flagged offside.
83′ – Nigeria sub: Onyeka on for goalscorer Akor Adams to strengthen midfield.
84′ – Gabon sub: Nze Bagnama replaces Ndong in midfield.
89′ – GOAL! Gabon equalise! Mario Lemina’s shot takes a wicked deflection and finds the net. Extra-time looming!
90+2′ – 12 minutes of added time announced.
90+4′ – Ecuele Manga blocks Ndidi’s cross.
90+6′ – Nigeria push forward, pressing for a late winner.
90+8′ – Gabon survive a flurry of Nigeria corners.
90+10′ – Free-kick to Gabon as Ndidi fouls Lemina.
90+11′ – Huge chance! Osimhen clean through but fires wide.
FULL TIME: NIGERIA 1 – 1 GABON – Into extra – time