The Super Eagles of Nigeria will take one Gabon on Thursday, as their hunt for a 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket continues.
After finishing as one of the best second-placed teams in the qualifiers proper, the Super Eagles made the cut for the continental World Cup playoffs, alongside DR Congo, Cameroon, and Gabon.
To scale through to the Intercontinental playoffs, Nigeria have to defeat Gabon. If they do that, they will then face the winner of the game between DR Congo and Cameroon.
The Super Eagles face Gabon on Thursday, in what promises to be an enthralling game, due to the quality of both teams.
Gameday is just 3 days away! ⏳
If you were in the dugout, who’s making your starting XI for this one? pic.twitter.com/jcjyfo3wqB
— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) November 10, 2025
Nigeria have the better quality on paper, but Gabon also possess some players who could give the Super Eagles problems.
In this article, Soccernet.ng highlights some of the Gabonese players to look out for.
1. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
It is not a hidden fact that the Marseille striker is their talisman. In fact, he is their captain. At 36 years of age, he is still playing pretty well and maintains his killer instinct in front of goal.
This season, Aubameyang has registered four goals and two assists for Marseille. He is also Gabon's record goalscorer with 24 goals in 50 games.
Aubameyang is not as quick as he used to be. But he is still very technical and knows how to win second balls. The Super Eagles backline will have to be very careful with him.
2. Denis Bouanga
The LA FC star is the third-highest goalscorer in Gabon history, with 15 goals to his name.
If not for Lionel Messi, he probably might even be the biggest player in the US Major League Soccer, as he has 26 goals and 10 games this season.
The 31-year-old forward, who usually operates from inside left, is quick, can shoot, and has an impressive work rate.
Whoever starts for Nigeria at right-back will have a tough job in his hands.
3. Mario Lemina
The 32-year-old midfielder is Victor Osimhen’s mate at Galatasaray, so he will definitely have some tips to share to Gabonese teammates.
Lemina is not the quickest of players. But what he does not have in speed, he makes up for it with physicality and work rate.
Wilfred Ndidi will definitely have his work cut out with Lemina in the middle of the park. He also likes to bump forward and can occasionally score an odd goal or create chaos in opponents defences.
The Super Eagles have not been so great with their defending of aerial balls. With a big man like Lemina on the pitch, they would have time extra careful.
4. Guelor Kanga
Kanga another important man for Gabon in midfield. Although he currently plays for Erokspor, a club in the second tier of Turkish football, he is a decent player.
The 35-year-old is a very good dribbler, and very good at set-pieces. He also likes to shoot from outside the box. So, Stanley Nwabali might have a lot of work to do.
Kanga knows how to win fouls too, so the Super Eagles must be careful with their marking in dangerous areas.
5. Anthony Oyono
Copyright: ImagoxFabrizioxCorradetti/LaPressex
At 24 years of age, Oyono is one of the few young regulars for Gabon. He currently plays for Frosinone in the Serie B, and is a regular there.
Oyono is a steady runner, as he has excellent stamina. As a result, he likes to bump forward a lot. While this might be a loophole for Nigeria to exploit, it might also give the Super Eagles defenders problems due to an overload.
Oyono would have to be put in check by the Super Eagles.
