The CAF playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup begin this evening in Morocco, with Nigeria facing Gabon, while Cameroon takes on DR Congo. The four teams are battling for CAF’s single spot in the intercontinental playoffs, which offer a final chance to qualify for the World Cup.
The winners of today’s matchups will advance to the playoff final, where Africa’s sole representative in the FIFA intercontinental playoffs will be determined.
Nigeria vs Gabon
Nigeria and Gabon have met five times since 1989, with the Super Eagles winning three matches, Gabon one, and one ending in a draw. Their last meeting was during the 2006 World Cup qualifiers in 2005, which Nigeria won 2–0.
Nigeria has won three of their last five World Cup qualifying matches, drawing twice. They come into this game on the back of a 4–0 thrashing of Benin.
Gabon, meanwhile, has won four of their last five qualifying matches, drawing once. Their most recent outing was a 2–0 victory over Burundi in October this year.
The match will be played at 18:00hrs CAT.
Cameroon vs DR Congo
Cameroon has dominated recent meetings with DR Congo, winning four of their last five encounters, with the other ending in a draw in 2015. Their most recent clash came at the 2021 African Nations Championship, where Cameroon triumphed 2–1.
The Indomitable Lions have lost only one of their last five World Cup qualifying matches, winning three and drawing one. Their latest game ended goalless against Angola.
DR Congo, on the other hand, has won four of their last five qualifiers, losing just once—to Senegal 3–2 in September this year. Their most recent fixture was a 1–0 win over Sudan in October.
The match will be played at 21:00hrs CAT.
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