### Nigeria and Gabon Set for Crucial World Cup Playoff Clash As Nigeria prepares to face Gabon in the semi-finals of the CAF World Cup qualifying playoffs, the stakes are high for both teams. The match is scheduled to take place at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in Rabat, Morocco, on November 13, 2025. Nigeria's Super Eagles are coming off a strong performance, having recently defeated Benin Republic 4-0 in their last qualifier, while Gabon is determined to secure their place in the World Cup after a challenging qualifying campaign. Both teams are expected to bring their best players to the field, with Nigeria's squad featuring notable stars like Victor Osimhen and William Troost-Ekong, while Gabon will rely on the talents of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Denis Bouanga to lead their attack [https://www.sportingnews.com/uk/football/news/nigeria-lineup-vs-gabon-starting-xi-team-squad-world-cup-playoff/7ce58a959a8dd4cee60a19a4, https://dailypost.ng/2025/11/11/wcq-playoffs-key-stars-to-watch-as-nigeria-gears-up-for-epic-showdown-against-gabon]. ### Breakdown of the Upcoming Match and Team Preparations 1. **Match Context** - Nigeria and Gabon are competing for a spot in the CAF World Cup playoff final. - The match is crucial for both teams' aspirations to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 2. **Team News** - Nigeria's head coach, Eric Chelle, has named a 24-man squad, including key players like Victor Osimhen and Alex Iwobi, despite some absences due to injuries and suspensions [https://www.legit.ng/sports/football/1682480-why-eric-chelle-named-suspended-player-nigerias-24-man-squad-world-cup-playoffs]. - Gabon's coach, Thierry Mouyouma, has expressed confidence in his team's readiness and plans to adjust tactics for the match [https://dailypost.ng/2025/11/11/2026-wcq-playoffs-were-battle-ready-for-super-eagles-mouyouma]. 3. **Key Players to Watch** - For Nigeria: Victor Osimhen (forward), William Troost-Ekong (defender), and Alex Iwobi (midfielder) are expected to play pivotal roles [https://thewhistler.ng/osimhen-leads-super-eagles-squad-for-world-cup-playoffs]. - For Gabon: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Denis Bouanga are crucial to Gabon's attacking strategy [https://newtelegraphng.com/world-cup-playoff-gabon-unleash-aubameyang-bouanga-on-super-eagles]. 4. **Recent Performances** - Nigeria's recent 4-0 victory over Benin Republic has boosted their morale heading into this playoff [https://dailypost.ng/2025/11/11/wcq-playoffs-key-stars-to-watch-as-nigeria-gears-up-for-epic-showdown-against-gabon]. - Gabon is looking to build on their previous performances and capitalize on Nigeria's vulnerabilities [https://promptnewsonline.com/2026-wcq-playoffs-gabon-coach-to-adjust-tactics-for-super-eagles-clash]. ### Summary of Key Insights and Expectations **In conclusion**, the upcoming World Cup playoff between Nigeria and Gabon is set to be a thrilling encounter with significant implications for both teams' World Cup aspirations. 1. **High Stakes**: Both teams are vying for a place in the CAF World Cup playoff final, making this match critical for their World Cup hopes. 2. **Strong Squads**: Nigeria boasts a talented squad led by Osimhen, while Gabon will rely on their star players like Aubameyang. 3. **Tactical Adjustments**: Coaches from both sides are preparing to implement strategies that could turn the tide in their favor. As the match approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see which team will emerge victorious and take a step closer to the 2026 FIFA World Cup [https://www.sportingnews.com/uk/football/news/nigeria-squad-caf-world-cup-playoffs-roster/a8cb4ec5c76435a8c22c23b0].