Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang targets first World Cup appearance with Gabon

Gabon senior men’s national team captain, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has said the Panthers must emerge victorious against Nigeria’s Super Eagles as they target their maiden FIFA World Cup outing in the 2026 edition.

Coach Thierry Mouyouma side, will face the Super Eagles on Thursday, 13 November, at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier playoff in Rabat, Morocco.

Aubameyang, who scored four goals and picked up a red card in Gabon’s dramatic 4-3 win over Gambia, said the match with Nigeria will define their dream of reaching a first-ever World Cup.

“We have to beat Nigeria to stand a chance of playing in the other game. It’s the main match in our quest to reach the World Cup. We can’t afford to lose it.”

Gabon will face Nigeria for the 10th time

Gabon, narrowly missed automatic qualification, finishing a point behind African champions Ivory Coast in Group F.

This will be the 10th meeting between Nigeria and Gabon. The Super Eagles have won five of the previous nine encounters, drawn three, and lost only once a 2-1 defeat in 1989 World Cup qualifying. Coincidentally, neither team reached Italia ’90.

The mini-tournament, which runs from 13 to 16 November, will feature Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon, and DR Congo, with the winners earning Africa’s final ticket to the intercontinental playoff in March 2026.

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