The Super Eagles are set to face Gabon in the semi-finals of the African zone play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following the conclusion of the group stage on Tuesday.
The three-time African champions advanced to the play-offs with a commanding 4-0 victory over the Benin Republic, securing second place in their qualifying group.
Gabon also earned its spot after defeating Burundi 2-0, thanks to the Ivory Coast’s win over Kenya, which positioned the Panthers in second place in Group F.
In other matches, DR Congo narrowly beat Sudan 1-0 to finish as runners-up to Senegal in Group B, while Cameroon secured second place in Group D behind Cape Verde, completing the lineup of the four best runners-up heading to the play-offs.
The mini-tournament will take place in Morocco from November 13 to 16, featuring Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon, and DR Congo.
The format will see the winners of the two semi-finals compete in a single-leg final for a chance to enter the inter-confederation play-offs in March 2026, where one African team will have a final opportunity to qualify for the World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
According to the seeding system, Nigeria expected to remain the highest-ranked African team among the four when FIFA updates its rankings on October 23, will face Gabon, the lowest-ranked team in the group.
Cameroon and DR Congo will clash in the other semi-final. Both semi-finals are scheduled for November 13, with the final set for three days later.
All matches will be single-leg contests, with extra time and penalties to determine the winner if needed.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is anticipated to announce the host cities and venues in the coming days.
While Africa’s nine group winners have already secured direct qualification for next year’s expanded 48-team World Cup, the play-offs provide the continent with an additional opportunity to send one more representative through the inter-continental route.
