World Cup Playoff: Aubameyang leads Gabon’s 27-Man squad to face Super Eagles

Gabon’s national football team, the Panthers, have announced a formidable 27-man squad ahead of their high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoff clash against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Head coach Thierry Mouyouma unveiled the roster during a press conference in Libreville on Thursday, confirming the inclusion of several key players for what promises to be one of the most anticipated fixtures in the African playoffs.

The first-leg encounter is scheduled for Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the C.S. Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.

The winner will advance to meet the victor of the Cameroon vs DR Congo playoff in the next round.

Leading the Gabonese charge is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, a 36-year-old striker for Marseille and a former star of Arsenal and Barcelona.

Despite his age, Aubameyang remains a potent attacking force and a source of leadership for the Panthers.

An experienced core, including Mario and Noha Lemina, Denis Bouanga, and long-serving defender Bruno Ecuele Manga, joins him. Bouanga, currently playing for Los Angeles FC, was Gabon’s top scorer in the qualifiers with eight goals, underscoring his importance in Mouyouma’s setup.

The Panthers narrowly missed out on automatic qualification, finishing second in Group E with 25 points, just one behind group leaders Côte d’Ivoire. Their consistent performances throughout the qualifiers have earned them respect across the continent, but Nigeria represents their toughest test yet.

Goalkeepers: Jean-Noël Amonome (AS Arta/Solar7), Donald Nzé (AS Mangasport), Anthony Mfa Mezui (FC Rodange)

Defenders: Bruno Ecuele Manga (Chamois Niortais), Lloyd Palun (RWD Molenbeek), Aaron Appindangoye (Unattached), Johann Obiang (Stade Lavallois), David Sambissa (Pau FC), Sidney Obissa (Olympiakos Nicosia)

Midfielders: Mario Lemina (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Guélor Kanga (Red Star Belgrade), Jim Allevinah (Clermont Foot), Noha Lemina (Yverdon Sport FC), Yoann Wachter (US Saint-Malo)

Forwards: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Marseille), Denis Bouanga (Los Angeles FC), Axel Meye (CR Belouizdad), Aaron Boupendza (Al-Shabab), Ulrick Eneme Ella (Angers SCO)