Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Leads Gabon in World Cup Playoff Against Nigeria
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leads Gabon against Nigeria in African World Cup playoff, with Victor Osimhen leading the Super Eagles.
Aubameyang, 36, has earned 80 caps for Gabon, though his international career has been marked by clashes with administrators and coaches...
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is Gabon's hope for a historic World Cup qualification as they face Nigeria in the African World Cup playoff in Morocco. The 36-year-old striker has been in top form, scoring four goals in Gabon's 4-3 win over Gambia and consistently performing for Olympique de Marseille.
Gabon will take on Nigeria in Rabat on Thursday, with the winner advancing to the playoff final against either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo. The winner of the final will secure a spot in the inter-continental playoff in March, vying for a place in the 2026 World Cup.
The nine group winners have already secured their spots in the 2026 World Cup, but there's still a chance for a 10th African team to make it to the tournament. The playoff tournament will determine which team gets the opportunity to represent Africa in the inter-continental playoff.
The two winners on Thursday will face off on Sunday, with the victor advancing to the inter-continental playoff in March, competing for a spot in the 48-team World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the US.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, a French-born Gabonese footballer, was crowned African Footballer of the Year a decade ago thanks to his impressive performances with Borussia Dortmund. He's been Gabon's star player since making his debut in 2009, but despite his efforts, the team hasn't achieved major international success, even hosting the Africa Cup of Nations twice.
Aubameyang, 36, has earned 80 caps for Gabon, though his international career has been marked by clashes with administrators and coaches, leading to temporary retirements. Now, he's leading Gabon's charge in the World Cup playoff against Nigeria, carrying the hopes of a nation.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is now in the twilight of his career, but he has a chance to lead Gabon to their first-ever World Cup appearance. The 36-year-old striker has been in top form, scoring four goals in Gabon's 4-3 win over Gambia and consistently performing for Marseille since his return to Ligue 1.
Aubameyang's impressive form has given Gabon hope for a successful World Cup playoff campaign. Gabon will face Nigeria in Rabat on Thursday, with the winner advancing to the playoff final against either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will share the pitch with Victor Osimhen, the 2023 Footballer of the Year, as Gabon takes on Nigeria in the African World Cup playoff. Osimhen leads Nigeria's hopes of securing a seventh World Cup finals appearance.
Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang scored all 4 goals in Gabon's 4-3 victory over Gambia to keep their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup alive 🇬🇦
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 10, 2025
The 36-year-old now has 8 goals and 2 assists in 9 matches for Marseille and Gabon this season 👏 pic.twitter.com/zAqp2XqKtM
Cameroon, with eight previous World Cup qualifications, has been marred by controversy between government-appointed coach Marc Brys and federation president Samuel Eto'o, overshadowing their qualifying campaign.
DR Congo is aiming to end a 54-year wait for a World Cup appearance, with their only previous participation in 1974 as Zaire. The team was leading their group but lost 3-2 to Senegal, finishing second and setting up a playoff clash.
Yoane Wissa's absence due to injury is a significant blow to DR Congo's World Cup hopes, leaving them without a key player for the playoff match against either Cameroon or Gabon/Nigeria winner.
No comments:
Leave comment here