Nigeria will face Gabon in the semi-finals of the African zone play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following the conclusion of qualifying group matches on Tuesday.
The Super Eagles booked their spot in the knockout stage after cruising to a 4–0 victory over Benin Republic in Uyo earlier in the day.
Victor Osimhen led the charge with a hat-trick, while Samuel Chukwueze provided one of the assists in a dominant display that sealed Nigeria’s place among the continent’s best runners-up.
Gabon, on their part, claimed a 2–0 victory over Burundi to secure second place in Group F, aided by Ivory Coast’s commanding win over Kenya to top the group.
Elsewhere, DR Congo progressed with a slim 1–0 win over Sudan, finishing behind Senegal in Group B, while Cameroon joined the lineup after placing second in Group D behind Cape Verde.
According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the play-offs — featuring the four best runners-up from the nine qualifying groups — will take place in Morocco between November 13 and 16.
Nigeria, expected to be the highest-ranked team among the four when FIFA releases its updated rankings on October 23, will meet Gabon, the lowest-ranked of the quartet. The other semi-final will see Cameroon battle DR Congo.
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Both matches are slated for November 13, with the winners advancing to a one-off final three days later.
The champion will move on to the inter-confederation play-offs scheduled for March 2026, offering Africa an additional route to the expanded 48-team World Cup to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
All matches will be single-leg affairs. In the event of a draw after regulation time, 30 minutes of extra time will be played, followed by penalties if necessary.
Africa’s nine group winners have already secured direct qualification for the global showpiece, while the upcoming play-offs present a final opportunity for one more African team to join them on football’s biggest stage.