Victor Osimhen scored twice as Nigeria beat Gabon after extra-time on Thursday to advance to the World Cup second round qualification play-off final. The Super Eagles looked on course to get the job done in normal time after Akor Adams broke the deadlock in the 77th minute, however, Mario Lemina’s deflected effort 12 minutes later meant 30 more minutes at the Moulay Hassan Stadium.
From there, the quality of Eric Chelle’s side proved to be the difference as Chidera Ejuke restored the lead with a cool finish before Osimhen made amends for a succession of missed chances to take the game away from Gabon and ensure Nigeria’s hopes of qualifiying for next summer’s World Cup remain alive.
Next up for Nigeria is a showdown with either Cameroon or DR Congo in Sunday’s play-off final. Should they win that fixture they will secure a place in a six-team inter-confederation play-off to be held in Mexico in March 2026, with one qualification spot up for grabs. Follow Nigeria vs Gabon back below with Standard Sport's dedicated match blog!
Nigeria vs Gabon latest news
- GOAL! Osmihen adds his second
- GOAL! Osimhen puts Nigeria clear
- GOAL! Nigeria retake lead in extra-time
- GOAL! Lemina equalises for Gabon
- GOAL! Adams puts Nigeria in front late on
- NO PENALTY! Gabon denied spot kick after VAR review
Nigeria through to final
19:09 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneNigeria beat Gabon to keep their dream of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup alive.
Akor Adams broke the deadlock in the 77th minute, but Mario Lemina’s deflected effort in the 89th minute forced the second round semi-final play-off into extra-time where Eric Chelle’s side took full control.
Chidera Ejuke restored the lead with a cool finish before Victor Osimhen finally got on the scoresheet, helping himself to a brace as the Super Eagles took the game away from the Panthers.
As a result, Nigeria have sealed their place in Sunday’s play-off final, but who will they face?
FULL-TIME
18:56 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneNigeria 4-1 Gabon
Super Eagles into Sunday’s play-off final thanks to a 4-1 win over Gabon after extra-time.
World Cup dream still alive for Nigeria!
Nigeria 4-1 Gabon
18:55 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne120+2 min: Scratch that, just two added minutes!
Nigeria 4-1 Gabon
18:53 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne120 min: Four minutes added on.
Incredible about of time has been added on across this evening.
Nigeria 4-1 Gabon
18:52 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne118 min: Almost goal number five for Nigeria but Ndidi’s effort is pushed around the post for a corner.
Onyeka is then booked as the two sets of players come together.
Nigeria 4-1 Gabon
18:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne116 min: No hat-trick for Osimhen today as he is replaced by Arokodare for the final few minutes.
Nigeria need him as fresh as possible for Sunday’s final.
Nigeria 4-1 Gabon
18:48 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne114 min: Moucketou-Moussounda is booked for a foul on Ndidi as the clock ticks down towards full-time.
GOAL! Nigeria 4-1 Gabon | Victor Osimhen ‘110
18:43 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne110 min: NIGERIA HAVE FOUR!
Victor Osimhen has his second of the game and the Super Eagles are cruising through!
Fantastic touch and finish from the in-form striker.
Nigeria 3-1 Gabon
18:41 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne108 min: Double change for Nigeria.
ON: Awaziem and Ekong
OFF: Osayi-Samuel and Iwobi
KICK-OFF!
18:38 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBack underway in Rabat.
15 minutes to go, can Gabon get back into this?
HALF-TIME IN EXTRA-TIME
18:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneNigeria 3-1 Gabon
Nigeria 3-1 Gabon
18:31 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne105 min: FOUR added minutes at the end of the first half of extra time.
Nigeria 3-1 Gabon
18:30 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne103 min: Victor Osimhen was booked for taking his shirt off during the celebrations. Doubt he will care!
GOAL! Nigeria 3-1 Gabon | Victor Osimhen ‘102
18:29 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne102 min: OSIMHEN SCORES!
Finally, the Nigeria striker has his goal. Brilliant finish from an acute angle from Osimshen and surely that settles it!
Nigeria 2-1 Gabon
18:26 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne100 min: Gabon make two more change as Meyo and N. Lemina make way for Oyono and Moucketou-Moussounda.
GOAL! Nigeria 2-1 Gabon | Chidera Ejuke ‘97
18:24 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne97 min: NIGERIA BACK IN FRONT!
Chidera Ejuke picks his spot and restores Nigeria’s lead after great play by Wilfred Ndidi.
Nigeria 1-1 Gabon
18:20 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne94 min: Iwobi is playing a lot closer to Osimhen following those changes made when Nigeria were 1-0 up and trying to see out the game.
KICK-OFF
18:16 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneUnderway in extra-time!
FULL-TIME
18:11 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneNigeria 1-1 Gabon
Extra-time on the way.
Nigeria 1-1 Gabon
18:09 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90+11 min: HOW?!?
Osimhen is clean through but he fires wide! That was the chance to win it.
Nigeria 1-1 Gabon
18:08 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90+10 min: Chance for Gabon to load the box as Ndidi catches Lemina to concede a free-kick.
Nigeria 1-1 Gabon
18:07 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90+8 min: Resolute defending from Gabon as they survive a succession of Nigeria corners.
Nigeria 1-1 Gabon
18:05 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90+6 min: Nigeria coming on strong now in search of what would surely be the winning goal.
Nigeria 1-1 Gabon
18:03 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90+4 min: Painful one for Ecuele Manga as he stops Ndidi’s cross.
Nigeria 1-1 Gabon
18:00 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90+2 min: 12 minutes of added time will be played.
GOAL! Nigeria 1-1 Gabon | Mario Lemina ‘89
17:59 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne89 min: GABON EQUALISE!
Mario Lemina’s effort takes a wicked deflection and finds the back of the net!
Extra-time looming!
Nigeria 1-0 Gabon
17:53 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne84 min: Ndong is replaced by Nze Bagnama in a like for like change in midfield by Gabon.
Nigeria 1-0 Gabon
17:51 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne83 min: Nigeria make a change to beef up their midfield as Onyeka replaces goalscorer Adams.
Nigeria 1-0 Gabon
17:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne82 min: Osimhen is in behind but lifts the ball wide of the post. Offside flag was up anyway as the striker had made his run too soon.
GOAL! Nigeria 1-0 Gabon | Akor Adams 78 ‘
17:48 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne78 min: NIGERIA LEAD!
It’s a gift for the Super Eagles as Akor Adams pounces on a poor pass back by Appindangoye to break tghe deadlock.
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
17:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne76 min: Nwabali has made a swift recovery after it looked like he was about to be replaced.
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
17:44 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne75 min: Double change for Gabon.
ON: Meyo and N. Lemina
OFF: Openda and Poko
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
17:42 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne74 min: Issue for Nigeria goalkeeper Nwabali. Doesn’t seem he will be able to continue here.
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
17:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne71 min: Nigeria seemed to have weathered the Gabon storm right at the start of the second half. Entering the stage of the game where the first goal could prove decisive.
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
17:38 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne69 min: Almost a chance for Osimhen as Sanusi swings in a cross from the left. Ball evades the Nigeria striker in the middle, but that is the most threatening the Super Eagles have looked for a while.
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
17:34 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne65 min: Gabon win three successive corners, but fail to make much of any of them. Nigeria come forward and win a corner for themselves as Ecuele Manga cuts out Ejuke’s teasing cross.
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
17:31 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne63 min: More Gabon pressure as Osimhen is forced to head the ball behind for a corner.
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
17:28 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne60 min: The roles have been reversed from the first half as Gabon have started the second period better.
Nigeria make a double change with Lookman and Chukwueze making way for Simon and Ejuke.
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
17:26 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne58 min: Talk about drama! That review seemed to have taken an age, but the referee made his decision. Expect a lengthy stoppage at the end!
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
17:24 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne56 min: NO penalty!
Appindangoye’s shirt was being pulled by Osayi-Samuel in the box but the referee has awarded a corner instead.
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
17:21 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne52 min: VAR checking this and the referee is going across to the screen.
This usually means one thing...
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
17:20 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne51 min: Free-kick to Gabon in a promising position after Openda was barged to the floor by Sanusi. Ball is whipped in and cleared at the back post.
However, Gabon players are appealing for a penalty.
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
17:16 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne47 min: No changes from either side during the interval. As this is a one-legged game, you feel the first goal will break this game wide open.
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
17:14 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne46 min: Oh great, problem with the ball again and the referee is making sure it’s replaced.
KICK-OFF
17:13 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBack underway in Rabat.
HALF-TIME
16:56 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneNigeria 0-0 Gabon
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
16:56 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne45+6 min: Brilliant defending by Fredrick to match Aubameyang for speed. Corner to Gabon in the final action of the half, Nwabali manages to deal with the cross.
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
16:53 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne45+4 min: Not Lookman’s best game in a Nigeria shirt, his half is summed up by a free-kick delivery that Mbaba collects with relative ease.
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
16:52 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne45+2 min: Referee judges there is a problem with the ball and orders for it to be replaced by a new one before Nwabali is able to get the game restarted.
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
16:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne45 min: Board goes up...SIX minutes of added time.
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
16:49 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne44 min: Gabon almost take the lead against the run of play as Openda cuts inside and shoots but Nwabali gathers the ball with ease at his near post.
Perhaps not the best choice made by Openda.
Gabon have come into the game in the last ten minutes.
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
16:48 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne43 min: Yellow card brandished to Aubameyang. The Gabon striker did catch Frederick with a late challenge.
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
16:46 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne42 min: It remains goalless as we tick down towards half-time.
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
16:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne40 min: So nearly the breakthrough for Nigeria after Osayi-Samuel looks for Osimhen in the middle but the cross is cut out by Mbaba who seems to have made a swift recovery.
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
16:44 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne38 min: Pause in play as Mbaba is calling for treatment after taking a knock to his thigh.
This allows both sets of players to grab a drink and take in some instructions.
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
16:41 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne37 min: Osimhen goes close again but his effort is deflected behind for a corner. In truth, the striker did not make the cleanest of connections with the strike.
From the corner, Gabon clear and Aubameyang leads the counter attack. He squares to Bouanga who sees his effort charged down.
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
16:38 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne33 min: The delivery from the corner is a good one, but Adams is back to help Nigeria defend the corner comfortably. Gabon pressure eases as Aubameyang is penalised for a foul.
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
16:36 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne32 min: Nigeria are all over Gabon at the moment. Surely it’s just a matter of time before the deadlock is broken? That said, Gabon have just won a corner, and here’s a chance to test this Super Eagles defence.
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
16:33 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne29 min: Handball? Osimhen is now convinced there was a handball by a Gabon player during that scramble. There is a VAR check but that is checked and cleared.
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
16:32 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne27 min: GOAL? Nigeria players are convinced the ball has crossed the line after a goalmouth scramble. The referee seemed to award a goal but then cleared up his decision of no goal.
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
16:30 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne25 min: Another attack for Nigeria, this time Osimhen puts in Osayi-Samuel who had made a strong run down the right. The full-back, however, is unable to finish off the move.
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
16:28 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne23 min: Nigeria are creating chances at a regular rate now. Lookman is picked out with acres of space and he drives towards goal before slipping in Osimhen who fires wide.
You would expect Osimhen to put that chance away, but he was slightly off balance.
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
16:26 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne21 min: SAVE!
Very nearly 1-0 to Nigeria as Osimhen gets above his marker and heads the ball down, but Mbaba makes a brilliant save to concede a corner.
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
16:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne19 min: Osimhen is going to continue as he makes his way back onto the pitch and is involved straight away by combining with his Nigeria team-mates to set up a potential attack.
Gabon get numbers back and the Super Eagles are forced to remain patient until Lookman sees a shot from inside the box blocked.
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
16:22 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne17 min: CHANCE!
Nigeria work the ball out to the left and Adams manages to stay onside before crossing for Osimhen who heads just wide. The Nigeria striker was clattered into by Mbaba in the process and requires treatment.
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
16:20 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne15 min: The game had been paused briefly, assuming for a VAR check. But we are back underway.
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
16:19 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne14 min: Aubameyang’s cross is easily collected by Nwabali who then gifts the ball straight back to Gabon and is relieved to see Oyono’s audacious lob drop wide.
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
16:15 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne10 min: Strong running by Osayi-Samuel down the right and his cross is only cleared as far as Iwobi who lashes a shot high and wide.
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
16:13 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne9 min: Very calm defending from Frederick as he beats Aubameyang to the ball before taking his time before making a clearance.
Cagey start to this World Cup play-off. Not seen a great deal of Osimhen or Aubameyang in truth.
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
16:11 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne6 min: First glimpse of Bouanga from an attacking sense for Gabon but Osayi-Samuel is able to defend the situation well.
Ndidi is then forced to stop Bouanga from breaking away into space and the Nigeria captain is shown a yellow card.
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
16:09 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne4 min: CHANCE! Adams is first to react to a defensive mix-up by Gabon but he can’t slip the ball past Mbaba who was off his line very quickly to narrow the angle.
Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
16:07 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne2 min: Nigeria win a very early free-kick, Lookman look as if he is about to take but Sanusi strikes at goal but Mbaba makes a very comfortable save.
KICK-OFF!
16:04 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWe are underway in this World Cup CAF qualification semi-final play-off!
Who will emerge victorious in the afternoon kick-off?
HERE WE GO!
15:58 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe teams are out at the Moulay Hassan Stadium!
The first of two World Cup CAF second round semi-final play-offs will be underway very soon.
Nigeria vs Gabon live
15:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThere must be a winner today. If Nigeria and Gabon can’t be separated after 90 minutes then extra-time and penalties will be required.
Team news reminder
15:53 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere is how both teams will line-up today.
Nigeria XI: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Frederick, Bassey, Sanusi; Chukwueze, Iwobi, Ndidi, Lookman; Adams, Osimhen.
Substitutes: Okoye, Ekong, Ejuke, Onyeka, Arokodare, Onyemaechi, Abdullahi, Simon, Obasogie, Nwadike, Awaziem, Olusegun
Gabon XI: Mbaba; Oyono, Appindangoye, Ecuele Manga; Openda, Ndong, Poko, M. Lemina, Ekomie; Bouanga, Aubameyang.
Substitutes: Mounguenou (GK), Bekale (GK); J. Oyono, Moucketou-Moussounda, Obiang, J. Do Marcolino, Nze Bagnama, N. Lemina, Essang-Matouti, Averlant, Meyo, A. Do Marcolino.
Kick-off approaching in Rabat
15:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne10 minutes to go until kick-off at the Moulay Hassan Stadium.
Nigeria have been the dominant side in this fixture over the years, so must guard against complacency this afternoon.
Gabon team in full
15:45 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneGabon XI: Mbaba; Oyono, Appindangoye, Ecuele Manga; Openda, Ndong, Poko, M. Lemina, Ekomie; Bouanga, Aubameyang.
Substitutes: Mounguenou (GK), Bekale (GK); J. Oyono, Moucketou-Moussounda, Obiang, J. Do Marcolino, Nze Bagnama, N. Lemina, Essang-Matouti, Averlant, Meyo, A. Do Marcolino.
Play-offs explained
15:41 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe African play-offs will be held as a centralised tournament in Rabat, Morocco.
Three matches will be played by knock-out system in the format of semi-finals and final.
The semi-finals will take place today, Thursday 13 November and the final on Sunday 16 November.
Schedule
Semi-finals
Match 1: Nigeria vs Gabon
Match 2: Cameroon vs Congo DR
Final
Match 1 Winner vs Match 2 Winner
All of this is to reach the FIFA Play-Off Tournament in March 2026.
Why Nigeria qualified for World Cup play-offs ahead of Burkina Faso
15:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneNigeria face Gabon in a World Cup play-off semi-final today but Burkina Faso will be thinking it should have been them instead of the Super Eagles.
Nigeria sealed a spot as one of the four best runners-up in CAF qualification by virtue of a superior goal difference to Burkina Faso after the two nations finished level on points.
However, there has been some confusion around why Les Etalons missed out on a play-off spot given they accumulated more points than Nigeria (21) and had a better goal difference (+15) in Group A.
Nigeria vs Gabon live
15:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe return of Bright Osayi-Samuel should see Benjamin Fredrick take up a central defensive role alongside Calvin Bassey for Nigeria this afternoon.
Frederick, on loan at Dender EH from Brentford, impressed at full-back against Benin but is set to be used in his more natural position against Gabon.
Nigeria vs Gabon live
15:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneYou have to say, it’s a very attack minded Nigeria team this afternoon as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Akor Adams all start in that front four.
That means Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi will have to get through a lot of work defensively.
Nigeria vs Gabon live
15:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWilfred Ndidi will captain Nigeria this afternoon in the absence of William Troost-Ekong,
Ndidi lines up in central midfield alongside Alex Iwobi, flanked by Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze.
Nigeria vs Gabon live
15:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneDon’t worry, the Gabon team news is on the way!
Nigeria changes
15:10 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneEric Chelle has opted to make two changes to the Nigeria side that started last month's win over Benin.
Ademola Lookman and Bright Osayi-Samuel come in for Moses Simon and Semi Ajayi.
William Troost-Ekong is on the bench once again.
Nigeria team in full
15:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneNigeria XI: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Frederick, Bassey, Sanusi; Chukwueze, Iwobi, Ndidi, Lookman; Adams, Osimhen.
Substitutes: Okoye, Ekong, Ejuke, Onyeka, Arokodare, Onyemaechi, Abdullahi, Simon, Obasogie, Nwadike, Awaziem, Olusegun
CONFIRMED NIGERIA TEAM NEWS
15:01 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere is the Nigeria team Eric Chelle has selected to face Gabon...
Team News 🗞️
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) November 13, 2025
©️ Ndidi leads the team as captain
🛡️ Bassey and Frederick marshal the defense
👕 Iwobi makes his 90th Super Eagles appearance#NGAGAB #SoarSuperEagles #FIFAWCQ pic.twitter.com/mUaRJy1YqV
Nigeria vs Gabon live
15:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneEarly rumours are that Ademola Lookman does start for Nigeria this afternoon. Team news to be confirmed very soon!
How Nigeria qualified
14:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneGalatasaray striker Victor Osimhen was the hero as he netted a superb hat-trick as Nigeria beat Benin by the required number of goals to leapfrog their neighbours in the table.
The next task was to claim victory by a four-goal margin to guarantee a play-off place.
Nigeria looked to be falling short by one but a brilliant strike from Frank Onyeka in second half injury time sparked wild scenes inside the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Nigeria vs Gabon live
14:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneGabon have never qualified for a World Cup, but can move one step closer by beating Nigeria today.
⚽️ 𝗠 𝗔 𝗧 𝗖 𝗛 . 𝗗 𝗔 𝗬⚽️
— Fédération Gabonaise de Football (@fegafoot_gabon) November 13, 2025
𝘽𝘼𝙍𝙍𝘼𝙂𝙀𝙎 Coupe du Monde 2026
🇳🇬 NIGERIA ⚔️ GABON 🇬🇦
🏟️Stade Moulay El Hassan
⌚️17 (heure du GABON)
𝘼𝙇𝙇𝙀𝙕 𝙇𝙀𝙎 𝙋𝘼𝙉𝙏𝙃𝙀̀𝙍𝙀𝙎 🐆🇬🇦#FEGAFOOT #GABON #NIGERIA #WC2026Q #WCQualifiers pic.twitter.com/psV8JSuuPM
Nigeria vs Gabon live
14:45 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe Nigeria squad have been out for their usual walk ahead of kick-off. Just over an hour until the game gets underway!
Team walk ✅
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) November 13, 2025
Game time loading ⏳#NGAGAB #SoarSuperEagles #Naija4TheWin pic.twitter.com/g0IYjsA2Sr
Nigeria vs Gabon live: Team news imminent
14:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWe are expecting the teams to be announced shortly.
Stay tuned...
Predicted Gabon XI
14:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneGabon tend to favour a back three system which allows Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to spearhead the attack alongside Denis Bouanga.
The pair netted 15 goals between them during the group phase.
Predicted Gabon XI: Mbaba; Onfia, M’bemba, Manga; Lemina, Kanga, Ndong, Averlant; Obiang, Bouanga, Aubameyang.
Predicted Nigeria XI
14:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe big decision facing Eric Chelle this afternoon is whether to hand an immediate recall to Ademola Lookman.
The Atalanta forward missed the win over Benin last month through suspension and in his absence, Nigeria scored four goals and looked a bit more fluid in attack.
Elsewhere, William Troost Ekong is pushing for a recall at the expense of Semi Ajayi.
Predicted Nigeria XI: Nwabali; Fredrick, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Sanusi; Iwobi, Onyeka, Ndidi; Simon, Osimhen, Chukwueze.
Full Nigeria squad
14:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneGoalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Maduka Okoye
Defenders: William Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Benjamin Fredrick, Zaidu Sanusi
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, Wilfred Ndidi
Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun.
How Gabon got here
14:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneGabon were impressive during the first round of qualification. Pipped to an automatic spot by Ivory Coast, Thierry Mouyouma’s side won eight of their ten Group F fixtures.
Their only dropped points came against Ivory Coast.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netted seven goals along the way.
Today's settings
14:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe Moulay Hassan Stadium will host today's crucial World Cup play-off qualifier.
Nigeria vs Gabon latest match odds
14:11 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneNigeria to win: 8/13
Gabon to win: 10/3
Draw: 15/8
Odds via Betfair and subject to change.
"Nothing is impossible"
14:05 , Arthur FerridgeNigeria gaffer Eric Chelle is as determined as ever to get the Super Eagles to the World Cup.
He told CAF Online: “Coaching Nigeria is something huge.
“Nigeria is a massive team, arguably the best in Africa in terms of sporting pedigree and aura. For me, it’s a great source of pride.
“I’ve created a bubble to stay focused on my goals. Before AFCON, our immediate target is the World Cup playoffs. The goal is to win against Gabon on 13 November, and if successful, the final on 16 November.
“This team has great players. If we stay serious, motivated, and united, nothing is impossible.”
Head to head (h2h) history and results
14:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneNigeria wins: 5
Gabon wins: 1
Draws: 3
This will be only the third meeting between the two nations since the turn of the millenium.
Julius Aghahowa and Nwankwo Kanu were on target in a 2-0 win for Nigeria the last time they faced Gabon - 20 years ago.
Click here to read the full blog on The The Standard's website
