Gabon Unleashes 27-Man Squad Led by Captain Aubameyang for World Cup Playoff Against Super Eagles

The anticipation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup African Play-off semi-final intensified today, Thursday, November 6, 2025, as the head coach of the Gabon national team, Thierry Mouyouma, officially announced a formidable 27-man squad set to challenge the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

The squad announcement, made at a press conference in Libreville, confirmed the inclusion of all the Panthers’ top talents, signaling Gabon’s seriousness in its bid for a historic first-ever World Cup qualification.

Leading the charge is the prolific striker and team captain, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The 36-year-old Marseille forward remains Gabon’s talisman, cleared to play after serving a one-match suspension incurred during the qualifying stages. His attacking partnership will be bolstered by Denis Bouanga (Los Angeles FC), who was Gabon’s highest goal scorer in the qualifying series.

Mouyouma’s selection also features the influential English Premier League midfielder Mario Lemina (Wolverhampton Wanderers), who will marshal the central midfield alongside his younger sibling, Noha Lemina, and veteran defender Bruno Ecuele Manga. The blend of youth and experienced campaigners like Guélor Kanga reflects Mouyouma’s intent to combine defensive solidity with attacking flair against the Super Eagles.

The crucial single-leg semi-final is scheduled to take place on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the C.S. Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.

The stakes are enormous: the winner of this high-stakes clash will advance to the final play-off round on November 16, where they will face the victor of the other semi-final between Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Only the winner of that final will secure a berth in the FIFA Inter-Continental Play-Off, the last hurdle before the World Cup jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

With the Panthers throwing all their firepower into the ring, the stage is set for a thrilling and highly competitive West African derby in Morocco.