The path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup enters a critical phase for four African nations as Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon and DR Congo gather in Morocco for a high-stakes mini tournament that will decide who moves on to the inter-confederation playoffs next March.
With only one spot available, and continental pride on the line, the stage is set for a compelling blend of history, hunger and redemption across four intense days of football.
The semifinals on Thursday, 13 November, promise a fascinating contrast of pedigree and ambition. Nigeria face Gabon, in a clash between a seasoned World Cup contender and a nation desperate to make history. The Super Eagles—six-time finalists at the global showpiece—arrive with both expectation and pressure after missing out on Qatar 2022.
Boasting a talented generation of stars, including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi, Nigeria have the firepower to overwhelm opponents but must rediscover the defensive resilience that once made them Africa’s most consistent qualifiers.
For Gabon, this is a golden chance to take their football to new heights. Despite never reaching the World Cup, the Panthers have shown flashes of potential in recent years, driven by their talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and a growing supporting cast of domestic and European-based talents.
Under coach Thierry Mouyouma, Gabon’s tactical discipline and counter-attacking verve could trouble a Nigerian side that sometimes struggles to convert dominance into goals. For the Central Africans, upsetting one of the continent’s giants would be a statement victory—and a step closer to an unprecedented dream.
The second semifinal pits two old rivals with rich footballing heritage—Cameroon and DR Congo—against each other in what could be the tournament’s most combustible fixture. Cameroon, Africa’s most experienced World Cup nation with eight appearances, including Qatar 2022, carry both confidence and expectation.
Led by tactician Marc Brys, the Indomitable Lions continue to blend youth and experience, with André Onana, Vincent Aboubakar and Bryan Mbeumo forming a strong spine. Yet, inconsistency has dogged them since their last World Cup campaign, and DR Congo’s physical, fast-paced style will test their mettle.
DR Congo, whose lone World Cup appearance came in 1974 under their former name Zaire, are eager to end half a century of absence from the world stage.
With players like Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu providing attacking threat, the Leopards have the tools to surprise even the continent’s elite.
Coach Sébastien Desabre has instilled a renewed sense of belief and structure, making DR Congo one of Africa’s most improved sides in recent years.
The winners of Thursday’s semifinals will meet in a Sunday showdown that could redefine careers and reshape the footballing landscape for years to come.
For Cameroon and Nigeria, a win would preserve their proud World Cup traditions; for Gabon and DR Congo, it would open the door to immortality.
Only one can progress to the inter-confederation playoffs in March 2026—where two final World Cup slots await. In Morocco, dreams will soar or shatter, as Africa’s finest chase one last chance to reach football’s grandest stage.
CAF World Cup Qualifiers, Playoffs/Second Round
Thursday 13 November
16:00 GMT: Semifinal, Nigeria v Gabon – LIVE on SuperSport Africa and SuperSport PSL
19:00 GMT: Semifinal, Cameroon v DR Congo – LIVE on SuperSport Africa and SuperSport PSL
Sunday 16 November, final
19:00: Final – LIVE on SuperSport Africa and SuperSport PSL
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