){kind=small}
Bundesl){kind=logo}
M05
){kind=logo}
HSV
){kind=small}
Serie A){kind=logo}
SAS
){kind=small}
VER
){kind=small}
Ligue 1){kind=small}
B29
){kind=small}
OM
){kind=small}
LaLiga){kind=small}
ATH
){kind=logo}
ELC
){kind=small}
RSO
){kind=logo}
OVI
){kind=logo}
JUV
){kind=small}
COMO
){kind=logo}
KOE
){kind=logo}
TSG
){kind=small}
FCB
){kind=logo}
SGE
){kind=logo}
FCU
){kind=logo}
B04
){kind=logo}
WOB
){kind=logo}
FCA
){kind=small}
Premier){kind=small}
AVL
){kind=logo}
LEE
){kind=small}
BRE
){kind=logo}
BHA
){kind=logo}
CHE
){kind=small}
BUR
){kind=small}
NPFL){kind=logo}
WWF
){kind=logo}
BET
){kind=small}
RAY
){kind=logo}
LENS
){kind=small}
ASM
){kind=logo}
LEC
){kind=small}
INT
){kind=small}
RBL
){kind=small}
BVB
){kind=small}
WHU
){kind=small}
BOU
){kind=small}
OSA
){kind=logo}
RMA
AFCON 2025
)
Nigeria's Super Eagles will need to shackle these four Gabonese Panthers to stand any chance of reaching the 2026 World Cup
This single-leg knockout match will decide who moves closer to football’s biggest stage, and Gabon’s “Panthers” are not coming to Morocco to make up the numbers.
With a mix of European experience, raw attacking firepower, Gabon possess the tools to derail Nigeria’s qualification hopes in one unforgettable night, and Nigeria will need to be ready to tackle these four players especially.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Even at 36, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang remains the talisman of Gabonese football, a striker whose name alone sends shivers down any defender’s spine.
The former Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona hitman has found fresh life at Marseille, where he has already scored five goals this season.
)
In CAF qualifying, Aubameyang was instrumental, finding the net seven times and proving that his instincts have not dulled with age. His pace might have dipped slightly, but his positional awareness and ruthless finishing remain world-class.
Nigeria’s defenders, who have sometimes been caught napping in big games, cannot afford even a moment’s hesitation when Aubameyang lurks near goal.
His leadership and experience also give Gabon an invaluable edge as he has been in pressure situations countless times and knows how to tilt a game’s momentum with one precise strike or perfectly timed run.
Denis Bouanga
If Aubameyang represents Gabon’s legendary past, Denis Bouanga is their electrifying present. The Los Angeles FC striker has been on fire, finishing second only to Lionel Messi in the MLS scoring charts with 24 goals in 31 appearances.
That kind of form does not come by chance, and Bouanga thrives on confidence, movement, and an eye for goal that borders on instinctive.
)
In the CAF World Cup qualifying group stage, Bouanga scored eight goals, topping the scorers’ chart. His mix of raw power, pace, and quick thinking makes him a perfect weapon against Nigeria’s occasionally inconsistent defence.
Bouanga is also fearless; he loves to take on defenders one-on-one and is not afraid of long-range attempts. If the Super Eagles push their full-backs too high, Bouanga could exploit the gaps on the counter, creating dangerous situations. One good run, one clever finish, and he could be the man to send Gabon through.
Mario Lemina
Every great team needs a general, and for Gabon, that’s Mario Lemina. The former Juventus, Fulham, and Wolves midfielder now plies his trade at Galatasaray, where he shares a dressing room with Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen.
Lemina is not just a destroyer; he’s an all-action midfielder who combines aggression with creativity. His passing range allows Gabon to transition quickly from defence to attack, while his tackling and positioning shield the back line effectively.
)
When Lemina is in rhythm, Gabon looks balanced and confident. He brings leadership, composure, and an intensity that can unsettle opponents.
Nigeria’s midfielders like Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi will need to match his energy to maintain control. Lemina’s ability to dictate tempo, win duels, and break up counterattacks could be the difference between Gabon pulling off a famous upset or falling just short.
Loyce Mbaba
No upset story is complete without a hero in goal, and for Gabon, that man could be Loyce Mbaba. The 27-year-old goalkeeper from Ivorian club Stella Club d’Adjame has quickly risen from obscurity to become Gabon’s undisputed number one.
Since debuting in 2023, Mbamba has shown incredible composure and consistency, keeping three clean sheets in his last five international appearances.
)
Facing a strike force that includes Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Samuel Chukwueze, Mbaba’s role will be vital.
If Gabon hopes to frustrate Nigeria and steal a shock win, Mbamba’s gloves will need to perform miracles, but based on recent form, he might just be up for it.