Nigeria vs Gabon head-to-head: What history really says about the Super Eagles and Panthers?
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are slated to face Gabon in the African World Cup playoff, to be held in Rabat, Morocco, Soccernet.ng reports.Â
The forthcoming clash between the Super Eagles and the Panthers revives a longstanding African football rivalry that dates back more than six decades.
While Gabon have been consistent in recent years, historically, the 2013 AFCON champions maintain the edge, and this edge could matter when they meet.
Gabon during the 2025 Men’s AFCON qualifier match between Gabon and Morocco at Stade de Franceville stadium. Copyright: ImagoxKAMTOxVincentx237699961247xDouax
On Thursday, 13 November 2025, in Rabat, Morocco, both teams will lock horns in a high-pressure semi-final of the African zone qualifying tournament for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With the winner moving one step closer to the inter-continental play-offs, past results and head-to-head records come back into sharp focus for the players.
Nigeria hold a clear edge over Gabon in their past encounters, with five wins, three draws, and just one defeat between the two nations, according to multiple head-to-head databases such as fifaranking, 11v11, and a host of others.
Their rivalry dates back to the 1960s, with early friendlies setting the toneâa 2-2 draw in August 1965 was followed a day later by a 4-1 victory for Nigeria in Libreville.
The Super Eagles also claimed a narrow 1-0 win in a 1989 World Cup qualifier, though Gabon managed to snatch a 2-1 victory in the return leg that same year.
Michael Emenalo, Sunday Oliseh, Rasheed Yekini at the World Cup 1994 international match between Nigeria vs Italy. Copyright: Imago
Nigeriaâs most emphatic result came at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations, where they cruised to a 3-0 win over the Panthers.
Historically, Nigeria have been the dominant force in this fixture, particularly in competitive games. However, Gabonâs recent resurgence means the Super Eagles cannot afford complacency heading into their latest do-or-die World Cup playoff clash.
H2H: Nigeria vs. Gabon:
28 Aug 1965: Gabon 2-2 Nigeria (Friendly).
29 Aug 1965: Gabon 1-4 Nigeria (Friendly).
02 Mar 1983: Gabon 0-0 Nigeria (Friendly).
07 Jan 1989: Nigeria 1-0 Gabon (WC qualifier).
25 June 1989: Gabon 2-1 Nigeria (WC qualifier).
26 Mar 1994: Nigeria 3-0 Gabon (AFCON finals).
21 Nov 1999: Gabon 0-2 Nigeria (Friendly).
09 Oct 2004: Gabon 1-1 Nigeria (WC qualifier).
26 Mar 2005: Nigeria 2-0 Gabon (WC qualifier).
Date, venue and time of the game
The play-off between Nigeria and Gabon is scheduled for Thursday, 13 November 2025. According to match listings, the kick-off time is 16:00 GMT (17:00 West Africa Time).
Frank Onyeka of Nigeria during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match between Super Eagles of Nigeria and Benin Republic at Godwill Akpabio Stadium on October 14, 2025 in Uyo, Nigeria. Photo by ImagoxNsidibe Akpan
The venue is the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan in Rabat, Morocco.
The neutral venue and single-leg format mean there is no second chanceâboth teams must bring their best on the day.
What Happens If Super Eagles Win or Lose?
If Nigeria win, the Super Eagles will move on to the final of the African play-offs, scheduled for 16 November 2025, where they will face the winner of the Cameroon vs DR Congo clash.
Victor Osimhen during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match between Super Eagles of Nigeria and Benin Republic. Photo by Nsidibe Akpan Copyright: IMAGO
A victory in that final would guarantee Nigeria a spot in the intercontinental play-offs in March 2026.
If Nigeria lose, their World Cup hopes will end immediately. The defeat would see them eliminated from the African qualification route.
