Half-Time: Nigeria vs Gabon locked at 0-0 in crucial World Cup Playoff 

The Super Eagles of Nigeria were held to a 0-0 draw by the Panthers of Gabon in the first half of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff semi-final at the Stade Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco.

Wilfred Ndidi captained the side, with Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams leading the attack, while Alex Iwobi marked his 90th cap for the national team.

Nigeria’s Starting XI:
Stanley Nwabali (GK); Benjamin Frederick, Zaidu Sanusi, Wilfred Ndidi (C), Calvin Bassey, Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Bright Osayi-Samuel.

Substitutes: Maduka Okoye, Ola Aina, Frank Onyeka, Michael Onyemaechi, Abdullahi, Moses Simon, Obasogie, Nwadike, Chidozie Awaziem, Olusegun.

Kick-off was at 5 p.m. Nigerian time, with the Super Eagles seeking a vital win to keep their World Cup hopes alive after a mixed qualifying campaign.

First Half Highlights

The game began with Nigeria asserting early pressure. By the second minute, the Super Eagles won a free-kick, but Zaidu Sanusi’s delivery went straight into the hands of Gabon goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba.

Wilfred Ndidi received the first yellow card in the 6th minute for a reckless challenge on Bruno Ecuele Manga, setting the tone for a physical contest in midfield.

Nigeria’s frontline grew increasingly dangerous as the half progressed. In the 14th minute, a scramble inside the Gabon box saw Victor Osimhen unable to convert a close-range chance. Three minutes later, a brilliant attacking move involving Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, and Akor Adams resulted in Osimhen heading wide from what appeared to be an open goal after Mbaba rushed off his line. Both Osimhen and Mbaba were knocked in the collision, with the Napoli striker receiving treatment before returning to the field.

Osimhen continued to trouble the Gabon defence, with a header from Iwobi’s cross tipped over by Mbaba in the 21st minute. The Galatasaray striker then miscued a one-on-one chance at the 24th minute under pressure from Manga, missing a golden opportunity to give Nigeria the lead.

Gabon began to find their footing later in the half. They earned their first free kick in the 29th minute and followed it up with their first corner at 31 minutes, testing Nigeria’s defence for the first time.

The referee, South African Abongile Tom, managed the game well, with key decisions — including a disputed free-kick — correctly handled to the satisfaction of both sides.

A short pause in the 40th minute allowed Gabon goalkeeper Mbaba to receive treatment for what appeared to be a tight hamstring. Both teams used the stoppage to regroup and receive instructions from their managers.

Nigeria nearly conceded in the 43rd minute, but Stanley Nwabali made a sharp save to keep the Eagles in the game.

In the final added minute of the half (45+5), Benjamin Fredrick, making only his second international appearance, impressed with a solid defensive intervention to deny Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang a threatening cross. The 20-year-old Brentford centre-back was preferred to captain William Troost-Ekong today and showed why, standing firm in the first half.