The Super Eagles of Nigeria prepare to take on Gabon in a one leg FIFA World Cup playoff semifinal on Thursday evening.
Nigeria have not qualified for the World Cup finals since the Russia 2018 edition and enter this must-win playoff with the hope of changing their fate.
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Both these sides will lock horns in a neutral location at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco at 7pm.
A win for either side will put them in the final on Sunday against either Cameroon or DR Congo, who battle it out in the other semi later Thursday night.
The winner of the final will secure a spot in the global inter-confederation play-offs set for March 2026.
Nigeria, led by their top scorer in qualifying Victor Osimhen, come into the game on the back of a five-match unbeaten streak.
The Galatasaray forward scored a hat-trick to inspire Nigeria’s 4-0 demolition of Benin in their last match.
Gabon on the other hand were 2-0 winners against Burundi last time out, stretching their unbeaten run to four games.
Marseille forward Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang has been in top form, scoring four goals in his last three appearances for Gabon.
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Gabon are yet to beat Nigeria after losing 2-0 the last time the two sides met, with a barren draw the outcome in their only prior encounter.
Tips and prediction
The attacking threat both teams possess is a force to reckon with and their recent fixtures show that a goal for either side is standard.
Both teams are tipped to score in the game with Betway placing the BTTS odds at 2.30
However, recent form and history between these teams shows Nigeria with a slight advantage, with a home win or draw at 1.20.
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Photo: Kabiru Abubakar/Gallo Images
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