Madrid, Spain – Real Madrid are in advanced negotiations with Olympique Lyonnais to loan 19-year-old forward Endrick for the remainder of the 2024–25 season, sources have confirmed.
The Brazilian prodigy, who joined Los Blancos from Palmeiras in the summer of 2024, has featured for just 14 minutes under manager Xabi Alonso this term and is seeking regular first-team football to accelerate his development and revive his international prospects.
A short-term move to the Ligue 1 side is understood to be close to completion, with an agreement expected before the January transfer window opens.
Endrick made an immediate impact in his debut campaign, scoring seven goals across all competitions and displaying flashes of the explosive talent that made him one of the world’s most coveted teenagers. Despite settling well in Madrid—both on and off the pitch—sources close to the player acknowledge that consistent minutes are now critical.
“He’s happy in Spain, but he knows he needs to play,” a source told The Athletic. “This isn’t about leaving Real Madrid—it’s about coming back stronger.”
The loan is viewed as a strategic step to ensure Endrick remains in contention for Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad. The forward has earned 14 senior caps but has fallen out of favor under national team manager Carlo Ancelotti (no relation to Real’s former coach), largely due to his limited club exposure.
Lyon, currently pushing for a European spot under Paulo Fonseca, are seen as an ideal destination: a competitive league, a progressive coach, and a platform to showcase his finishing and movement in a system that favors young attackers.
Several other European clubs had expressed interest, but Lyon’s proactive approach and Real Madrid’s preference for a controlled environment have edged the French club to the front of the queue.
No purchase option is expected to be included in the deal, with Real Madrid retaining full control over Endrick’s long-term future. The club remains committed to his development as a cornerstone of their post-Mbappé era attack.
The move, if finalized, will see Endrick depart the Santiago Bernabéu temporarily in January—with the clear objective of returning in the summer as a more polished, confident, and World Cup-ready striker.
Rabat, Morocco – Chancel Mbemba’s predatory header in stoppage time propelled DR Congo to a dramatic 1-0 upset over Cameroon in the semi-final of the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday, earning the Leopards a high-voltage final clash with Nigeria on Sunday.
The match at the rain-slicked Al-Barid Stadium was a cagey affair, defined by stout defending and squandered chances, until the former Newcastle United defender rose highest to meet Brian Cipenga’s corner in the 91st minute, looping his effort beyond Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana for a goal that sent Congolese fans into ecstasy and left the five-time African champions shell-shocked. 1 0 Onana, who had earlier denied Cédric Bakambu with a sharp reflex save, could only claw at thin air as the ball kissed the net, ending Cameroon’s hopes of a ninth World Cup appearance.
Under coach Sébastien Desabre, DR Congo—runners-up in Group B behind Senegal—absorbed waves of pressure from Marc Brys’ Indomitable Lions, who had edged Cape Verde for second in Group D but faltered here despite boasting stars like Bryan Mbeumo and Vincent Aboubakar. The Leopards, drawing on their unbeaten streak in recent qualifiers, including a gritty 1-0 win over Sudan, frustrated Cameroon with disciplined midfield work from Gaël Kakuta and Yoane Wissa, while Theo Bongonda’s second-half volley flew just over.
A Gritty Battle Under the Lights
The game kicked off amid pouring rain that turned the pitch treacherous, delaying the start and aiding slippery play. Cameroon dominated possession in the first half, with Mbeumo testing Ivorian-born goalkeeper Lionel Mpumpu early, but DR Congo’s backline, anchored by Christian Luyindula and Rocky Bushiri, held firm. A yellow card to Cameroon’s Nouhou Tolo for a cynical foul on Aaron Wan-Bissaka summed up the hosts’ frustration, as André-Frank Zambo Anguissa’s long-range effort whistled wide.
Post-interval, Brys introduced Aboubakar and Martin Hongla for fresh legs, but it was DR Congo who created the clearer sights—Bakambu spurning a one-on-one, and Bongonda overhitting a cutback. Onana’s athleticism kept the Lions level, tipping Cipenga’s inswinging delivery onto the bar in the dying embers, only for Mbemba to pounce on the rebounding corner. The goal, Mbemba’s first in international football since 2022, extended DR Congo’s head-to-head edge, having won just one of 21 prior meetings but triumphing in both 2015 AFCON qualifiers.
Lineups and Key Battles
DR Congo deployed a compact 4-2-3-1: Mpumpu; Kalulu, Mbemba, Bushiri, Nouhou (wait, no—wait, that’s Cameroon’s; correction: Mpumpu; Kalulu, Mbemba, Bushiri, Kayembe; Pickel, Tshiunza; Bongonda, Kakuta, Wissa; Bakambu. Mbemba, and a Marseille stalwart, was immense, while Meschack Elia provided width.
Cameroon countered in a 4-3-3: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Castelletto, Ngadeu, Nouhou; Anguissa, Baleba (Hongla), Avom; Mbeumo, Eyong (Aboubakar), Nsame. The Brighton winger Mbeumo posed the biggest threat but couldn’t convert, as DR Congo’s switch-eligible newcomers like Michel-Ange Balikwisha waited on the bench.
Super Eagles Await: Stakes Sky-High
This sets up a mouthwatering final against Nigeria, who earlier dismantled Gabon 4-1 in extra time thanks to Victor Osimhen’s brace, avenging a 2018 upset. The Super Eagles, 41st in FIFA rankings to DR Congo’s 60th, hold a historical edge—winning three of five encounters, including 2-0 and 3-0 margins—but the Leopards’ resilience signals a banana skin.
The victor advances to the six-team inter-confederation playoffs in March 2026, hosted in Mexico, for a shot at the expanded 48-team tournament co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. For DR Congo, last at the World Cup as Zaire in 1974, it’s a chance at redemption; for Nigeria, a sixth appearance beckons after topping Group C on goal difference.
Desabre, beaming post-match, hailed his “warriors”: “This is for a nation that dreams big. Nigeria will be tough, but we’re ready to roar.” With Africa’s automatic spots already claimed by powerhouses like Senegal and Morocco, Sunday’s decider (19:00 GMT) promises fireworks under the Moroccan lights.
Rabat, Morocco – Victor Osimhen’s clinical double in extra time propelled Nigeria to a commanding 4-1 victory over Gabon in the semi-final of the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday, booking the Super Eagles’ place in the decisive final against either Cameroon or DR Congo.
The match, played at the Moulay Hassan Stadium amid high stakes and neutral ground, unfolded as a gritty battle that spilled into extra time after Gabon clawed back from a deficit to force parity. Nigeria, under the guidance of coach Eric Chelle, overcame early jitters and a controversial pay dispute in camp to deliver a performance laced with resilience and flair, silencing doubters who had questioned their qualifying form.
A Tense Opener Turns Electric
Nigeria struck first in the 78th minute when Lille forward Akor Adams capitalized on a defensive lapse by Gabon’s Aaron Appindangoye, slotting home from close range to send the traveling Nigerian supporters into raptures. The goal, Adams’ first in international football, seemed to have the three-time African champions on the cusp of progression.
But Gabon, buoyed by the presence of Marseille talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, refused to yield. In the 89th minute, Wolves midfielder Mario Lemina unleashed a deflected strike that wrong-footed Stanley Nwabali in the Nigerian goal, leveling the score at 1-1 and igniting wild celebrations among the Panthers’ contingent. The equalizer, a gut punch for the Super Eagles, forced the game into a grueling extra 30 minutes, with referee Issa Sy adding 12 minutes of stoppage time in the first half alone due to VAR interventions and injury stoppages.
Extra-Time Heroics Seal the Deal
The tide turned decisively in Nigeria’s favor during the additional period. At the 97th-minute mark, Sevilla winger Chidera Ejuke produced a moment of magic, weaving through challenges before rifling a composed finish past Anthony Mbaba to restore the lead at 2-1.
Osimhen, the Napoli star and Nigeria’s talismanic forward, then took center stage. Already a handful throughout with his aerial prowess and relentless pressing—contributing to eight goals in the qualifying campaign—he struck twice in quick succession. First, in the 102nd minute, he latched onto a long ball, shrugged off markers, and slotted home to make it 3-1. Moments later, in the 105th, Osimhen sealed the rout with a sublime reverse shot into the far corner after chesting down a lofted pass and evading two defenders, extinguishing any flicker of Gabonese hope.
The final whistle elicited scenes of jubilation from the Nigerian bench, with Osimhen mobbed by teammates as Gabon players, visibly deflated, trudged off the pitch. Aubameyang, who had threatened sporadically but was subdued by Nigeria’s backline led by Calvin Bassey and Jamilu Collins, could only watch as his side’s World Cup dreams faded.
Lineups and Tactical Notes
Nigeria lined up in a pragmatic 4-4-2 formation: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel (Troost-Ekong), Fredrick, Bassey, Sanusi; Chukwueze (Ejuke), Iwobi (Awaziem), Ndidi, Lookman (Simon); Adams (Onyeka), Osimhen. Midfield enforcer Wilfred Ndidi was pivotal in breaking up play, while Alex Iwobi’s tireless running earned him a heartfelt embrace from the staff upon substitution.
Gabon opted for a 4-3-3: Mbaba; Ondele, Oyono, Ecuele, Ekoumie; Openda (Meyo; Moucketou-Moussounda), Lemina, Ndong; Aubameyang, Biyogo, Bouanga. Despite their unbeaten run in seven prior competitive outings, Thierry Mouyouma’s men struggled with cohesion after falling behind, missing key absentees like Jim Allevinah.
Path Forward for the Super Eagles
This triumph, Nigeria’s third victory in five head-to-heads against Gabon, avenges a rare 2018 loss and underscores their historical dominance—boasting wins as emphatic as 3-0 and previous 4-1 margins. The Super Eagles, who narrowly pipped Benin to second in Group C with a 4-0 October romp, now await the victor of Cameroon vs. DR Congo in the other semi-final.
A win in the November 17 final would secure a berth in the six-team inter-confederation playoff in Mexico next March, offering one final shot at the expanded 48-team World Cup. For Osimhen and Co., fresh off resolving a bonus dispute with the Nigeria Football Federation, this result is a timely morale booster ahead of club duties and the continent’s marquee tournament.
As Osimhen told reporters post-match: “This is for the fans who’ve stood by us. We’re not done yet.” With the global stage in sight, Nigeria’s World Cup odyssey presses on with renewed fire.
A prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and 2023 presidential contender, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, asserted Thursday that the party’s long-plagued national convention will not proceed this weekend, as factional rifts demand urgent reconciliation to avert deeper divisions.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Hashim warned that forging ahead without resolving the leadership turmoil—exacerbated by court injunctions and internal sabotage—would spell disaster for the opposition giant. “There will be no convention this weekend because reconciliation among the parties is essential,” he said. “Proceeding now would only entrench factionalism within the PDP.”
Hashim, positioning himself as a 2027 presidential aspirant, revealed ongoing high-level consultations with governors, elders, and representatives from both the Damagum and Mohammed camps. “I’ve engaged key stakeholders, including governors and party leaders from all sides,” he said. “We cannot afford to fracture the PDP further. Measures are in motion for a unified convention.”
He floated the idea of a caretaker committee as a stopgap to guide the party through the impasse, crediting it as his longstanding proposal. “Discussions on a caretaker committee are advancing—that was my initial suggestion,” Hashim noted. “I’m not aligned with any faction; my priority is letting reason triumph and keeping the PDP as one political family.”
Hashim confirmed dialogues with acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum and factional rival Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed, signaling tentative progress. “I’ve spoken directly with Chairman Damagum, Alhaji Mohammed, and other vital players,” he added. “An understanding is taking shape, and I’m confident all will convene soon.”
Tug-of-War Over Venue and Legality
The PDP’s 2025 elective convention, slated for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, has been mired in controversy. A Federal High Court in Abuja issued an interim injunction last month, halting proceedings over alleged constitutional breaches and blocking figures like former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido from chairman bids—moves Hashim decried as a “choreographed plot” to neuter the opposition. 1 Yet, the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and Convention Organizing Committee (NCOC) insisted Wednesday that the event remains on track, dismissing postponement rumors and welcoming delegates to Ibadan. 5 6 7
Hashim’s intervention underscores the PDP’s escalating crisis, pitting Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde’s anti-Wike bloc against loyalists of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike. 8 The Board of Trustees (BoT), however, expressed optimism Thursday that a convention could still materialize, even as Hashim’s stance casts fresh doubt. 3
With the PDP’s internal fractures threatening its viability as Nigeria’s main opposition ahead of 2027 polls, Hashim’s call for unity highlights the high stakes: a divided party risks irrelevance in a landscape dominated by President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC).
Nigeria is targeting 20 percent national health insurance coverage by 2027 as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to deliver a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable healthcare system, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, announced Thursday.
Speaking on the second day of the 2025 Joint Annual Review Meeting (JAR) at the Transcorp Event Centre in Abuja, Dr. Salako outlined transformative reforms under the Nigerian Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), structured around a Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) to streamline funding, coordination, and accountability across federal, state, and local tiers.
“We are building a health system that anticipates, withstands, and recovers from shocks—a truly resilient Nigerian health system,” he declared.
While acknowledging gains in maternal and child health, Salako stressed the urgency of accelerated action. The 2023 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) reported a Maternal Mortality Ratio of 512 per 100,000 live births (down from 576 in 2018) and an Under-5 Mortality Rate of 110 per 1,000 live births (from 132 in 2018).
Yet systemic gaps persist: government health spending stands at just 5.2 percent of GDP—well below the 15 percent Abuja Declaration benchmark—while out-of-pocket expenditure accounts for 71 percent of total health costs. Insurance penetration remains low at 10–12 percent.
Salako highlighted President Tinubu’s executive order mandating health insurance for all Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and public entities as a cornerstone of universal health coverage enforcement.
Key Reforms Underway
Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF): Funding absorption rose from 45 percent in 2019 to 78 percent in 2023.
National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act 2024: Expanded enrollment to over 20 million Nigerians.
Power for Health Initiative: Completed more than 500 high-impact infrastructure projects for reliable electricity in health facilities.
Nigeria Digital in Health Initiative (NDHI): Established a unified National Digital Health Architecture, eliminating data silos.
Workforce Expansion: Recruited over 37,000 new health workers since 2023; training underway for more than 70,000 personnel.
Disease Control Milestones
HIV/AIDS: 1.78 million on treatment; 80 percent national ART coverage; 96 percent PMTCT coverage.
Tuberculosis: 80 percent case notification; 85 percent treatment success rate.
Malaria: 63 million insecticide-treated nets distributed; ~18 million cases averted annually.
Immunization: Penta-3 coverage at 57 percent (2023); zero wild poliovirus cases since 2020.
More than 30,000 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) are undergoing upgrades, with quality scores climbing from 42 percent to 67 percent. The Health Workforce Registry, diaspora engagement programs, and rural retention incentives aim to reverse brain drain—rebranding the “Japa syndrome” into “Japa-da,” Salako quipped.
The administration is advancing health financing through increased capital releases and infrastructure bonds.
A Call to Collective Action
“Our vision is simple: quality healthcare for every Nigerian, anywhere, without financial ruin,” Salako stated.
He urged federal agencies, states, development partners, and communities to deepen collaboration.
“Only a healthy population can build a prosperous, secure, and great nation. Let us deliver health—and make Nigeria great again,” he concluded to sustained applause.
Abuja, Nigeria – The House of Representatives has reaffirmed its dedication to transforming Nigeria’s livestock industry, with a simultaneous probe into the federal government’s failure to compensate poultry farmers hit by avian influenza outbreaks since 2021.
Hon. Wale Raji, Chairman of the House Committee on Livestock Development, announced the dual focus during a public hearing Thursday at the National Assembly complex in Abuja. The session examined six bills aimed at establishing new federal colleges and research institutes for animal production, veterinary training, and agricultural innovation.
The proposed laws align with the National Livestock Transformation Plan and broader legislative efforts to enhance research, education, and productivity in the sector.
“This hearing provides a platform for stakeholders to contribute ideas that will drive livestock growth, boost output, and create jobs,” Raji said. “Concurrently, we are examining delays in bird flu compensation to guarantee equity, accountability, and transparency.”
Raji pledged that the committee would translate stakeholder input into actionable recommendations for nationwide policy and institutional reforms.
Unpaid Claims Total ₦498.7 Million
Dr. Adeniyi Adedoyin, representing the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Chinyere Akujobi, disclosed that the government owes ₦498.7 million to 307 verified farmers affected by outbreaks between 2021 and 2023.
Prior to that period, ₦3.16 billion had been paid to 1,055 farmers for earlier incidents. A fresh outbreak in Wukari, Taraba State, led to the culling of 2,050 birds, with claims still pending.
Adedoyin traced compensation payments back to 2006, noting disbursements of ₦630.9 million, ₦674.2 million, ₦1.81 billion, and ₦47 million in phases through 2019. He blamed current delays on budget constraints and the lack of a dedicated Animal Diseases Contingency or Emergency Fund (ADEF) since 2021.
“Most farmers also operate without insurance,” he added.
Under a 2022 Federal Executive Council-approved framework, costs are split 50% federal, 25% state, and 25% farmer. Eligibility is limited to small-scale operators with 3,000 birds or fewer; larger commercial farms must carry insurance.
New Institutions to Drive Innovation
Hon. Bello Ka’oje (Kebbi State), sponsor of one bill, advocated for the Federal College of Animal Husbandry in Ka’oje as a hub for specialized training, research, and breeding advancements.
“The institution will elevate productivity, create employment, and bolster food security,” Ka’oje stated.
He highlighted Ka’oje’s entrenched livestock tradition and Nigeria’s lagging global rankings—94th in milk production and 33rd in meat as of 2022—despite surpassing regional peers like Egypt, Kenya, and Ethiopia in agricultural potential.
Ka’oje called for bipartisan support, underscoring livestock’s role in economic diversification and rural prosperity.
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike on Thursday issued a stern warning against impunity, declaring that Nigeria will stagnate if lawlessness and assaults on public servants are tolerated. He pledged full protection for government officials enforcing planning laws and other regulations, amid rising incidents of intimidation and physical attacks.
“No country, no matter how hard you work, if you allow impurity, if you allow lawlessness to continue to prevail, that country will never, never, never grow,” Wike told a gathering of FCT stakeholders.
The minister cited recent cases where senior civil servants—including directors—were “beaten up” while carrying out lawful duties, arguing that such violence erodes governance and discourages public service. “How will some officials carry out their functions again when they know their principal and their boss cannot protect them?” he asked.
High-Profile Appeals for Lawful Resolution
Wike revealed that prominent Nigerians, including former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and retired General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, have personally contacted him to resolve land and security disputes through legal channels.
“Chief Olusegun Obasanjo…he will call me on the phone: ‘Minister, look o! There’s this problem of land here, can you…’ and we will solve the problem,” Wike said, noting that these elder statesmen and retired military leaders consistently advocate peaceful, lawful solutions rather than confrontation.
Root of the Crisis: Fraudulent Land Deals
At the heart of recent tensions is a disputed plot in Mabushi District—originally allocated in 2007 to Santos Estate Limited for parks and recreation, not residential or commercial use. Despite a 2022 rejection of conversion requests, the land was allegedly subdivided and sold illegally, including to retired Chief of Naval Staff Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo.
“This is government property, it is not your property,” Wike asserted, emphasizing that the FCT Administration is reclaiming such parcels through due process after ministerial reviews exposed multiple litigations and irregular transactions.
Equal Enforcement, No Exceptions
Wike rejected accusations of selective enforcement, insisting that respect for Abuja’s master plan and planning laws is non-negotiable—regardless of status or connections.
“If an instruction is unlawful, you have the right to say no,” he said, defending his criticism of illegal orders while reaffirming strong support for the military and security agencies when acting lawfully.
Call for Responsible Journalism
The minister also criticized “lazy and sensational reportage” that misrepresents events, urging journalists to verify facts before publication. He pledged to perfect administrative processes to ensure transparency and continuity beyond his tenure.
“Even when you are working with me, you are not here forever… Therefore, I have to perfect the document. So when I leave, you will not have yourself to be blamed,” he said.
Zero Tolerance for Impunity
Concluding his address, Wike vowed to insulate FCT law enforcement from undue influence and ensure that public servants face no reprisals for legitimate duties.
“We will protect our officials. We will enforce the law fairly, transparently, and without fear or favor,” he declared.
The minister’s remarks follow a series of high-profile confrontations, including Tuesday’s standoff with naval personnel, and come as the FCT intensifies efforts to restore order in land administration and urban planning.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has swiftly debunked viral social media reports alleging he rewarded a naval lieutenant with a brand-new Toyota SUV for confronting Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike over a disputed Abuja land plot, labeling the story “entirely fabricated” and urging the public to disregard it.
The denial, issued Thursday by Atiku’s media adviser Paul Ibe, comes amid escalating fallout from Tuesday’s heated standoff at Plot 1946 in Gaduwa District, where Lt. Ahmed M. Yerima—deployed to secure the site allegedly owned by retired Chief of Naval Staff Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo—barred Wike and his enforcement team from accessing the area. The clash, captured in widely shared videos, saw Wike accuse the military personnel of intimidation and land-grabbing, vowing not to yield to “blackmail.” 0 1
The baseless rumor, which surfaced on Facebook Wednesday, claimed Atiku—Nigeria’s main opposition figure and 2023 PDP presidential candidate—gifted the vehicle to Lt. Yerima as a token of appreciation for “standing up” to Wike, a political rival from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction. Ibe’s statement was unequivocal: “His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, Vice President of Nigeria (1999–2007), did not gift Lt. Ahmed Yerima—or any other individual—a brand-new Toyota SUV, contrary to the false reports currently circulating on social media. The story is entirely fabricated and should be completely disregarded by the public.” 0 1 2
Atiku’s swift rebuttal highlights the rapid spread of disinformation in Nigeria’s polarized political arena, where the Abuja land row has already drawn in heavyweights. Wike’s aide, Lere Olayinka, framed the dispute as fallout from a fraudulent 2007 allocation to Santos Estate Limited for non-residential use, which was illegally subdivided and sold to Gambo in 2022—allegedly without valid titles or development approvals. 3 Olayinka accused the retired admiral of leveraging “military might” instead of legal recourse against the scammers, while constitutional expert Prof. Sebastine Hon condemned Yerima’s actions as a “breach of law,” citing Supreme Court precedents against obeying unlawful orders. 4
Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, addressing the incident during Wednesday’s press briefing, vowed protection for “any officer on lawful duty” and confirmed an ongoing probe, signaling the military’s intent to shield Yerima pending investigation. 5 Separately, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle described the confrontation as “unnecessary and avoidable,” insisting the young officer “did not commit any offence.” 9
The SUV rumor, though swiftly quashed, amplifies perceptions of elite meddling in the saga, which pits Wike’s aggressive FCT reforms against perceived military overreach. Atiku, who has clashed publicly with Wike since the PDP’s 2023 primaries, has remained largely silent on the core dispute but used the denial to reinforce his detachment from the fray.
As the FCT Administration pushes for demolition over missing titles, and with Gambo’s camp yet to respond, the episode underscores broader tensions in Abuja’s land governance—where high-profile claims often blur lines between politics, security, and speculation. Fact-checkers and social media watchdogs have since flagged the SUV post as misinformation, but its virality serves as a cautionary tale in an election cycle already rife with digital warfare.
Super Eagles Face Gabon Test: Osimhen’s Fire vs. Aubameyang’s Grit in World Cup Playoff Semi-Final
In the sweltering heat of Morocco’s Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Nigeria’s Super Eagles confront a defining moment in their quest to return to the FIFA World Cup stage. At 5:00 p.m. local time (6:00 p.m. Nigerian time), Eric Chelle’s side meets the Panthers of Gabon in the semi-final of Africa’s high-stakes playoff mini-tournament—a single-elimination showdown where only one African nation will advance to March’s intercontinental playoffs for a shot at the 2026 finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
For Nigeria, ranked 41st in the world, this is redemption territory. After a turbulent group stage that saw them finish second behind South Africa in Group C—edging out Burkina Faso on goal difference thanks to Eritrea’s withdrawal—the Super Eagles clinched their playoff spot with a commanding 4-0 demolition of Benin Republic on Matchday 10. 0 Unbeaten in their last six outings across all competitions, including two straight wins, they enter with momentum but carry the scars of missing Qatar 2022—a first consecutive absence since their 1994 debut. 1 A victory here sets up a potential final clash on Sunday against either Cameroon or DR Congo, winners of the evening semi-final at Al Barid Stadium. 6
Gabon, 36 places lower at 77th in FIFA rankings, arrives as resilient underdogs chasing a historic debut at the global showpiece. 1 The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations hosts topped Group F runners-up spot with a formidable 25 points from 10 matches—eight wins, one draw, one loss—scoring 22 goals while conceding just nine, only one point shy of Ivory Coast’s automatic qualification. 12 Unbeaten in seven straight games, Thierry Mouyouma’s Panthers boast a compact, counter-attacking edge that has frustrated bigger names. 11
Head-to-Head: Nigeria’s Edge, But Gabon Knows How to Sting
History favors the Super Eagles in this Central African rivalry, which dates back over six decades. Across nine senior-level meetings, Nigeria hold five wins, three draws, and one solitary defeat—a 2-1 upset in Libreville on June 25, 1989, during 1990 World Cup qualifiers that famously derailed Nigeria’s path to Italia ’90. 13 17 Since then, the Eagles have been unbeaten, including a 2-0 victory in Abuja on March 26, 2005—their most recent encounter and another World Cup qualifier where both sides ultimately fell short. 8
Gabon’s lone triumph remains a psychological footnote, but their recent form—capped by a 4-3 thriller over Gambia in October—signals evolution. As Mouyouma noted, “We must adopt a special tactical approach” to neutralize Nigeria’s threats. 5 Expect a 4-3-3 setup emphasizing quick transitions, with former Premier League midfielders Mario Lemina (Wolves) and Didier Ndong anchoring the engine room. 28
Team News: Bonus Drama Resolved, But Defensive Shuffle Looms for Nigeria
Nigeria’s camp endured midweek turbulence, with players boycotting Tuesday’s training over unpaid bonuses dating to 2019. 30 Captain William Troost-Ekong confirmed a swift resolution on Wednesday, allowing full sessions to resume: “The team is united and focused on representing Nigeria at our maximum.” 33 The NFF’s intervention ensured no lingering distractions ahead of this do-or-die tie. 14
Injuries and suspensions force tweaks, however. Ola Aina remains sidelined post-surgery from a South Africa clash, while center-back Semi Ajayi is suspended after two yellows in qualifiers. 21 7 Troost-Ekong is likely to partner Calvin Bassey at the back, with Chelle favoring a familiar 4-3-3: Stanley Nwabali in goal; Bright Osayi-Samuel, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, and Zaidu Sanusi across the line; Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka in midfield; and Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, and Samuel Chukwueze supporting talisman Victor Osimhen up top. 4 Osimhen, fresh off a Champions League hat-trick for Galatasaray, has 29 goals in 44 caps and six in five qualifiers—his aerial dominance and unpredictability will test Gabon’s rearguard. 3
For Gabon, it’s a clean bill: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 36 and thriving at Marseille, leads with seven qualifier goals, including a four-goal haul against Gambia before a red card (now served). 12 Flanked by LAFC’s prolific winger Denis Bouanga (eight qualifier goals, 32 in 2025 MLS) and Aaron Boupendza, the Panthers’ attack packs punch. 10 28 Defensively, Bruno Ecuele Manga and Johann Obiang provide steel, with Anthony Kanga adding midfield bite. 32 No major absences reported, though Mouyouma may rotate for freshness in the neutral heat.
Key Battles: Where the Game Will Be Won or Lost
Osimhen vs. Ecuele Manga: The Napoli loanee’s pace and power (idolizing Didier Drogba) against Gabon’s veteran center-back could decide set-piece duels. 3
Lookman/Iwobi Creativity vs. Lemina/Ndong Tenacity: Nigeria’s flair must pierce Gabon’s combative midfield to feed the forwards.
Bouanga’s Counter-Threat: The MLS star’s eight qualifier strikes make him Gabon’s wildcard on the break. 10
Both sides favor 4-3-3, promising end-to-end action in Rabat’s compact arena. Nigeria’s superior depth should prevail, but Gabon’s organization—conceding just 0.9 goals per qualifier—demands precision. 20
How to Watch: Eyes on a Continent
Tune in via NTA, SuperSport, or streaming on DStv Now and the CAF app—coverage starts at 4:30 p.m. Nigerian time. 0 Gabon’s federation cheekily mocked Nigeria’s boycott on social media Tuesday, but with issues settled, focus returns to the pitch. 37
Prediction: Nigeria 2-1 Gabon. The Super Eagles’ firepower edges a cagey affair, but expect Aubameyang to test Nwabali. Victory keeps Nigeria’s seventh World Cup dream flickering—failure would sting deeper than 1989. As NFF President Ibrahim Gusau put it: “We have a team capable of earning a World Cup ticket.” 0 The Eagles must soar.
With the weight of a nation’s football dreams on their shoulders, the Super Eagles of Nigeria stand on the brink of a potential World Cup revival. Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau has voiced unshakeable faith in Eric Chelle’s squad as they prepare to battle the Panthers of Gabon in the semi-finals of the African playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set for a tense 5 p.m. kickoff today at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in Rabat, Morocco.
Nigeria’s path to the expanded 48-team tournament in North America has been anything but smooth. After a rocky group stage that saw them flirt with elimination, a dramatic 4-0 thrashing of Benin Republic on Matchday 6 clinched second place in Group C, earning them a spot as one of CAF’s best runners-up. Now, the stakes couldn’t be higher: victory over Gabon propels them to the playoff final against either Cameroon or DR Congo on Sunday, with the ultimate prize a berth in the intercontinental playoffs in March—Africa’s last gateway to the global showpiece.
“We believe in the players and their ability to make Nigeria proud, not only on Thursday but throughout these playoffs,” Gusau told thenff.com. “We have a team capable of earning a World Cup ticket.”
Gusau’s optimism echoes the sentiments of a squad brimming with European talent and resolve. Defender Calvin Bassey, speaking to Sporty TV, underscored the team’s renewed vigor: “We started slow, but hope is restored. We’re Nigeria—a massive nation with huge expectations. We just need to take it game by game.” 2 Alex Iwobi is also poised for a milestone, eyeing his 90th cap for the three-time African champions. 6
Tactical Battle: Osimhen’s Fire vs. Aubameyang’s Guile
Under Chelle’s steady hand, the Super Eagles enter unbeaten in their last four qualifiers, boasting a historical edge over Gabon—five wins, three draws, and just one loss in nine meetings. 3 That solitary defeat? A heartbreaking 2-1 upset in 1989 that cost Nigeria a spot at Italia ’90—a scar that lingers but fuels today’s fire.
Victor Osimhen, Napoli’s talismanic striker, looms as Nigeria’s X-factor. With 29 goals in 43 caps, he’s eight shy of Rashidi Yekini’s record and primed to exploit Gabon’s backline. 3 ESPN analyst Alejandro Moreno, tipping Nigeria to advance, gushed: “Osimhen is a goalscorer in every big moment.” 7 Flanking him could be the pace of Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi’s creativity, though Semi Ajayi’s suspension forces a reshuffle at center-back. 0
Gabon, however, won’t roll over. Coached by Thierry Mouyouma, the Panthers narrowly missed direct qualification, finishing a point behind Ivory Coast in Group F. 4 At 36, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang remains a lethal threat, with 39 goals in 80 caps for his country—his Marseille form secondary to his national team pedigree. 9 Wing wizard Denis Bouanga adds dynamism, but Gabon’s defense must contain Osimhen’s unpredictability, as Mouyouma admitted: “We need a special tactical approach.” 1
Neutral venue in Morocco levels the playing field, but Nigeria’s quick transitions and wide play could prove decisive, per preview analyses. 0 The other semi-final pits Cameroon against DR Congo, setting up a potential blockbuster final.
How to Watch: Eyes on History
Fans can catch the action live on NTA, SuperSport, and streaming platforms like DStv Now, with kickoff at 5 p.m. Nigerian time (6 p.m. Rabat). 4 As the Super Eagles chase a seventh World Cup appearance—last in 2018—Gusau’s rallying cry resonates: This isn’t just a game; it’s redemption.
Nigeria’s football faithful, scarred by past playoff heartbreaks like the 2001 loss to Ghana, dare to dream again. A win today keeps the flame alive for 2026’s expanded fiesta. For the Super Eagles, the message is clear: Fly high, or crash out.
