'Tough opponent' - Former Panthers defender Ebanega predicts winner of Nigeria v Gabon WCQ playoff

Former Gabon international Rémy Ebanega has shared his prediction ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff clash between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Panthers of Gabon scheduled for Thursday evening in Rabat, Morocco.

Both teams are currently in Morocco finalizing their preparations for the crucial encounter that will determine who advances to the final round of the CAF playoff series for a spot in the 2026 World Cup to be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

However, Nigeria's build-up to the match has been clouded by a players' strike over unpaid bonuses and allowances, with the Super Eagles boycotting training on Tuesday in protest of the outstanding payments.

Ebanega, who represented Gabon at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), admitted that the match will be tightly contested but expressed confidence that the Panthers would edge the Super Eagles.

"It will be 2-1 in favor of Gabon. It will be close, yes, Nigeria is a tough opponent in Africa, a regular qualifier for the World Cup," Ebanega said to Gabon Eco.

Despite Nigeria being tagged favorites due to their superior FIFA ranking and array of star players, the former AJ Auxerre and Union Sportive de Bitam defender believes the Panthers have made significant progress in recent years and can cause an upset.

"But with what we have seen from the Panthers in recent years, I think we have a chance, and the victory will be difficult, but we will achieve it," he added.

The Super Eagles will take on Gabon at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat at 5:00 PM local time in one of the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup playoff series.

The winner of the encounter will face either Cameroon or DR Congo on November 16 for a place in the intercontinental playoffs.

Adeyemi Adewale

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