This Article Was Last Updated: July 5, 2026 by Oseg Hale
Rabat’s Moulay Hassan Stadium on Thursday (today) will host the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Gabon in what many have termed a do-or-die World Cup qualifying semifinal.
Kick-off is at 6pm CAT, and every player who will be on the pitch today know exactly what is at stake.
The six-time World Cup participants managed to get through Group C, finishing second behind South Africa. That shaky start gave way to the emergence of Éric Chelle, who steadied the Super Eagles with four wins and two draws, culminating in a 4-0 win over Benin.
Missing consecutive tournaments is unthinkable for Nigeria at this time, considering our football history.
As for Gabon, they will be approaching from the edge of possibility. The Panthers finished second in Group F, just behind Ivory Coast, losing only once.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s seven goals and Denis Bouanga’s eight goals and three assists should be telling the Super Eagles something, as the Gabonese side are on the cusp of history.
Bouanga’s 50th cap may mark a defining moment for his nation, eager to reach the World Cup for the first time.
On Thursday (that is today), a lot of things will be decided in 90 minutes of football.
