Get the inside scoop on Nigeria’s predicted lineup vs Gabon in the CAF World Cup qualifying playoff on November 13, 2025. From Victor Osimhen’s hot streak to key absences, explore team news, full squads, and must-watch storylines as the Super Eagles hunt a World Cup spot.
Nigeria vs Gabon Lineup Nov 13 2025: Predicted lineup, Team News, Full Squad
It’s November 13, 2025, and the Super Eagles of Nigeria are locking horns with Gabon’s Panthers in a do-or-die CAF World Cup qualifying playoff semifinal at Morocco’s Moulay Hassan Stadium. While fans follow all today livescores across continents, this is the match that will truly capture Africa’s attention. This isn’t just another African showdown. It’s a ticket to the inter-confederation playoffs and a shot at the 2026 global stage. After missing Qatar 2022, Nigeria’s got that chip on their shoulder, and with stars like Victor Osimhen firing on all cylinders, they’re primed to soar. But Gabon’s no pushover. Aubameyang’s still got that killer instinct. Let’s break it down: predicted lineups, team news, full squads, and the juicy storylines that’ll have you glued to the screen.
The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher: A World Cup Dream on the Line
Picture this. Nigeria, three-time African champs and FIFA’s 41st-ranked side, is staring down a 77th-placed Gabon, which has been on a tear. The winner here faces either Cameroon or DR Congo in the final for Africa’s lone intercontinental playoff berth. That’s two more wins from World Cup glory. For the Super Eagles, it’s redemption time. They stumbled through Group C with four wins, five draws, and a loss, snagging second after South Africa’s points deduction drama. A 4-0 demolition of Benin sealed their spot, but coach Eric Chelle knows consistency’s been their Achilles’ heel.
Gabon? They’re the comeback kings of Group F, racking up 25 points with eight wins and just one loss, finishing a whisker behind Ivory Coast. Denis Bouanga and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang lit up the qualifiers with 22 goals conceded and only nine allowed. This Panthers squad, packed with French-based pros, is unified and hungry for their first-ever World Cup appearance. It’s David vs. Goliath vibes, but with Aubameyang slinging stones.
Predicted Starting Lineup: Nigeria’s Attack-Led 4-3-3 Formation
Chelle’s sticking to a tried-and-true 4-3-3 that’s all about overwhelming pace and power up top. Expect Stanley Nwabali in goal. He’s been a rock since Chippa United. At the back, Bright Osayi-Samuel slots in at right-back with Ola Aina nursing a post-surgery recovery. Benjamin Frederick and Calvin Bassey anchor the centre, with Zaidu Sanusi bombing forward from left-back. Midfield’s a beast trio. Wilfred Ndidi’s tenacity, Frank Onyeka’s box-to-box energy (after his stoppage-time heroics vs. Benin), and Alex Iwobi pulling strings.
Up front? Oh man, it’s fireworks. Ademola Lookman, fresh off his 2024 African Player of the Year nod, returns from suspension to terrorise the wings, Moses Simon on the other flank, and Victor Osimhen as the focal point. That hat-trick he banged in against Benfica? Chef’s kiss. Samuel Chukwueze might edge in for rotation, but this lineup screams goals.
Nigeria Team Predicted starter lineup (4-3-3):
- GK: Stanley Nwabali
- DEF: Osayi-Samuel, Frederick, Bassey, Sanusi
- MID: Ndidi, Onyeka, Iwobi
- FWD: Lookman, Osimhen, Simon
For Gabon, Thierry Mouyouma’s mirroring with a 4-3-3: Loyce Mbaba in nets; Aaron Appindangoye, Johann Obiang, and Bruno Ecuele Manga holding the fort; Mario Lemina, Anthony Kanga, and Denis Ndong in midfield; and wing threats like Aaron Boupendza feeding Aubameyang. It’s gritty, counter-focused, and perfect for frustrating Nigeria’s flair.
Team News: Boosts, Blows, and Tactical Twists
Good news for Nigeria fans. Chelle’s got near-full strength, with Osimhen in beast mode and Lookman back to add that Euros-winning magic. The big blow? Semi Ajayi’s suspended after yellow-card accumulation, so William Troost-Ekong steps up as captain. His experience could be gold dust. No fresh injuries, but Chidera Ejuke’s return after a year out adds wing depth. In goal, Maduka Okoye’s recall from Udinese gives options.
Gabon’s dealing with absences, too. Injuries sidelined Jim Allevinah, Shavy Babicka, and others, while Oumar Bagnama is out for fitness reasons. But Aubameyang’s four-goal heroics vs. Gambia? That’s the spark. Expect a compact setup to neuter Osimhen.
Full Squad Breakdown: Nigeria’s Star-Studded Bench
Chelle named a 24-man roster blending Premier League grit, Serie A silk, and homegrown hustle. Here’s the lineup:
- Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United)
Maduka Okoye (Udinese)
Amas Obasogie (Shakhtar Donetsk)
- Defenders:
William Troost-Ekong (PAOK, Captain)
Calvin Bassey (Fulham)
Semi Ajayi (West Brom, suspended)
Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista)
Chidozie Awaziem (Rio Ave)
Benjamin Frederick (Maccabi Haifa)
Zaidu Sanusi (Porto)
Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce)
- Midfielders:
Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City)
Alex Iwobi (Fulham)
Frank Onyeka (Brentford)
Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge)
Alhassan Yusuf (Kayserispor)
- Forwards:
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta)
Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan)
Moses Simon (Nantes)
Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla)
Akor Adams (Lille)
Tolu Arokodare (Palmeiras)
Olakunle Olusegun (Cercle Brugge)
Subs like Ejuke and Arokodare could flip the script late. That’s depth that’s Gabon’s envy.
Osimhen vs. Auba, Redemption Arcs, and Underdog Fire
What makes this clash sizzle? First, the striker summit. Osimhen, Africa’s 2023 king, vs. Aubameyang, the 36-year-old Gabon legend with 39 international goals. Both are hat-trick machines lately. Who blinks first? Second, Nigeria’s ghosts of 2022. Another no-show would be their first back-to-back miss since 1994. Chelle’s rebuilding around youth like Lookman, but pressure’s on.
Gabon’s tale? Pure inspiration. From near-misses to playoff heroes, they’re the scrappy underdogs with Bouanga’s MLS flair adding unpredictability. Head-to-head favours Nigeria (five wins in nine), but that lone Gabon victory in 2000? It lingers like a bad dream. And don’t sleep on the midfield war. Ndidi vs. Lemina could dictate the tempo.
Wrapping It Up: Super Eagles to Edge a Nail-Biter
This playoff’s got tension thicker than jollof rice debates. Nigeria’s talent edge points to a 2-1 grind-out, with Osimhen and Lookman netting and Aubameyang pulling one back. For fans tracking every moment on live scores mobi, the updates will tell a story of pure tension. But if Gabon parks the bus? Expect extra time fireworks. Tune in at 5 p.m. Nigerian time.
