2026 World Cup playoffs: Super Eagles likely to play Gabon

LAGOS, October 16, 2025

The Super Eagles World Cup playoff opponents will soon be known as Nigeria awaits the next FIFA World Rankings to confirm their matchups.

Nigeria booked their playoff spot after a convincing 4–0 win over Benin Republic. The victory placed them among Africa’s four best runners-up in the qualification campaign. Therefore, anticipation is growing about who the Super Eagles World Cup playoff opponents will be in November.

CAF Confirms November Playoff Dates

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has fixed the semi-finals for November 13 and the final for November 16 in Morocco.

However, the final playoff pairings will depend on FIFA’s next world rankings, set to be released on October 23. Under CAF’s format, the highest-ranked team faces the lowest, while the second-highest plays the third-highest.

Nigeria Likely to Face Gabon

Nigeria currently sits 45th in the world, making them the highest-ranked African runners-up.
Consequently, they are expected to meet Gabon, ranked 79th, in the semi-finals.

Coach Eric Chelle’s men see this as a favorable draw. A win would move Nigeria closer to the intercontinental playoffs and one step away from the World Cup ticket.

Pathway to the 2026 World Cup

The winner of the African playoff advances to the intercontinental stage, where they’ll face teams from Bolivia, New Caledonia, Central America, and Asia.

Only one nation from that group will qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the United States, Canada, and Mexico will co-host. Therefore, every match carries huge stakes for Nigeria’s qualification dream.

Nigeria Eyes Favorable Draw

Meanwhile, fans across Nigeria are counting down to October 23, hoping for a positive draw.
The Super Eagles’ dominant victory against Benin has boosted optimism nationwide.

Coach Eric Chelle remains confident.