World Cup play-offs: Super Eagles set to take on Gabon

World Cup play-offs: Super Eagles set to take on Gabon

Nigeria will face Gabon in the semi-finals of the African section of the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-offs after the qualifying group stages concluded on Tuesday.

The Super Eagles secured their spot with a 4–0 win over Benin, while Gabon claimed second place in Group F following their 2–0 victory against Burundi and Ivory Coast’s dominant win over Kenya to top the group.

DR Congo also qualified by edging Sudan 1–0 to finish runners-up in Group B behind Senegal. Cameroon secured their place as the second-placed team in Group D, finishing behind Cape Verde.

The play-offs will feature the four best runners-up from the nine African qualifying groups and take place in Morocco from November 13 to 16.

Nigeria, likely to remain the highest-ranked African side in the upcoming FIFA rankings update on October 23, will play against the lowest-ranked team in the play-offs, Gabon.

Cameroon and DR Congo will compete in the other semi-final.

Both semi-finals will happen on November 13, with the winners meeting three days later in a single-match final.

The winner will advance to the inter-confederation play-offs in March 2026, aiming to secure a World Cup spot for the finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Matches will be single-leg knockouts at a venue yet to be announced by CAF.

If tied after 90 minutes, the matches will proceed to 30 minutes of extra time, and if still level, a penalty shootout will decide the winner.

Morocco will host the mini-tournament, offering Africa an added chance to qualify for the expanded 48-team World Cup.

All nine African group winners have already qualified directly for the 2026 finals, while the play-offs will decide if Africa can add one more team via the inter-continental play-off route.

• O’tega Ogra, Tinubu’s Aide, Threatens Legal Action Against Timi Dakolo Over Social Media Accusations
• Davido Celebrates Wife Chioma’s Culinary Talent, Hints At Opening A World-Class Restaurant
• Breaking: Madagascar’s Army Seizes Power After Youth-Driven Protests Oust President