Nigeria 0-0 Gabon, FIFA World Cup 2026 AFCON Qualifiers Live Score: Super Eagles And Panthers Aim To Break Deadlock

It remains 0-0 between the Super Eagles and the Panthers at the half-time whistle.

6 minutes have been added on for the first-half as the Super Eagles and the Gabon Panthers search for the opener in Rabat.

Both the teams are trying hard to open the scoring but it remains 0-0 as we approach the first-half whistle. Victor Osimhen, who is the leading goal scorer in the UEFA Champions league this season, missed two chances to break the deadlock.

Osimhen rose to meet the cross with a header, and Ecuele Manga’s clearance ricocheted off his own teammate. The rebound deflected back toward Gabon’s goal, forcing a brilliant goal-line save.

Nigeria immediately appealed, claiming the ball had crossed the line and shouting for a handball and when the referee’s whistle went, they were sure it was a penalty.

Ndidi controls it neatly, allowing Nigeria to work the ball through the lines to Lookman, who slides a clever outside-of-the-foot pass down the left for Akor Adams.

Adams swings in a cross, it seems perfectly aimed for Osimhen’s head. Goalkeeper Mbaba rushes out in panic, desperate to reach it.

But Osimhen glances his header wide of the now empty, gaping goal and takes a heavy knock from the onrushing Mbaba in the process.

Bright Osayi-Samuel drove strongly down the right flank and delivered a low cross, which was intercepted by Bruno Ecuele Manga. The deflected ball fell conveniently to Alex Iwobi at the edge of the penalty area, but his powerful shot flew considerably over the crossbar.

A committed tackle quickly brought down Samuel Chukwueze, resulting in a free kick for Nigeria approximately 25 yards from the goal.

Before the set piece was taken, the referee paused play to caution Mario Lemina for pushing and shoving. When play resumed, Nigeria struck the ball low, but goalkeeper Mbaba was easily positioned to collect the attempt.

Regardless, the Super Eagles have started strongly.

And we are underway for the 1st semi-final of the African qualifiers' 2nd round at the Moulay Hassan Stadium. The Super Eagles have started from right to left (in whites) and the Panthers have started from left to right (in yellow and blow) in this first match.

Nigeria: W, W, D, W, W

Gabon: W, W, D, W, W

Starting XI (3-5-2): Mbaba (GK), Onfia, M'bemba, Manga, Lemina, Kanga, Ndong, Averlant, Obiang, Bouanga and Aubameyang

Substitutes: Mounguenou (GK), Bekale (GK); J. Oyono, Moucketou-Moussounda, Obiang, J. Do Marcolino, Nze Bagnama, N. Lemina, Essang-Matouti, Averlant, Meyo and Do Marcolino

Starting XI: Nwabali (GK) Osayi-Samuel, Fredrick, Bassey, Sanusi, Chukwueze, Iwobi, Ndidi, Lookman, Adams and Osimhen

Substitutes: Okoye, Ekong, Ejuke, Onyeka, Arokodare, Onyemaechi, Abdullahi, Simon, Obasogie, Nwadike, Awaziem and Olusegun

Fixture: Nigeria Vs Gabon, AFCON FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers 2nd round, 1st semi-final

Venue: Moulay Hassan Stadium, Morocco

Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025

Time: 09:30PM IST

Live Streaming: FanCode app/website

A very warm welcome to all the readers joining us from across the globe. Nigeria and Gabon are set to lock horns for a spot in the final of the round two African qualifiers at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Morocco. Stay tuned for the build-up, playing XIs, latest updates as well as the live scores.