FILE: Nigeria's players pose ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2023 semi-final football match between Nigeria and South Africa at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake on February 7, 2024. (Photo by Issouf SANOGO / AFP)
Nigeria will face Gabon in the semi-finals at the continental stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-offs.
This follows the Super Eagles’ victory over the Benin Republic on Tuesday and the conclusion of the qualifying group matches.
READ ALSO: UPDATED: Nigeria Thrash Benin 4-0, Secure World Cup Play-Off Spot
A 4–0 victory over their neighbours sealed a place for the Eagles at the play-offs, while Gabon confirmed second place in Group F with a 2–0 win against Burundi.
South Africa topped the group with 18 points, while Nigeria closely followed in second place with 17 points.
Ivory Coast defeated Kenya to top the group.
In other matches, DR Congo sealed their qualification with a 1–0 win over Sudan, finishing as runners-up in Group B behind Senegal.
Cameroon scaled through them after placing second in Group D behind Cape Verde.
“In the CAF Play-offs, Nigeria will take on Gabon’s the Panthers in a ‘first semi-final’ on Thursday, November 13, with Cameroon taking on the Democratic Republic of Congo in the ‘second semi-final’ on Friday, November 14.
“The two winners clash on Sunday, November 16 in the ‘final’, with the winner to proceed to the Intercontinental Play-offs scheduled for the Mexican cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey in March next year,” the Nigeria Football Federation said in a statement on Tuesday.
At the International Play-off tournament, six teams will battle for two tickets, for a chance to qualify for the 2026 World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
“The teams are Africa’s winner, Bolivia, New Caledonia, the winner of the Asian play-off between Iraq and the United Arab Emirates, and two of Jamaica, Costa Rica, and Panama,” the statement added.
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The matter was adjourned till June 17, 2026, for the continuation of the trial.