Gabon unveils 27-man squad ahead of crucial World Cup playoff against Nigeria

Gabon unveils 27-man squad ahead of crucial World Cup playoff against Nigeria

With anticipation building ahead of their decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoff clash against Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Gabon’s national team, the Panthers, have announced a formidable 27-man squad.

Head coach Thierry Mouyouma revealed the roster at a press conference in Libreville on Thursday, confirming the team that will face Nigeria on November 13, 2025, at the C.S. Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. The winner of the encounter will advance to face either Cameroon or DR Congo in the next round of the playoffs.

Leading the Gabonese side is veteran forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, currently with Marseille. The 36-year-old former Arsenal and Barcelona star will be joined by key players including the Lemina brothers—Mario (Wolverhampton Wanderers) and Noha (Yverdon Sport FC)—as well as Denis Bouanga of Los Angeles FC, who topped Gabon’s scoring chart in the qualifiers with eight goals.

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Despite a strong qualifying campaign, Gabon narrowly missed automatic qualification, finishing second in Group E with 25 points—just one behind group leaders Côte d’Ivoire.

Full Squad List:

• Goalkeepers: Jean-Noël Amonome (AS Arta/Solar7, Djibouti), Donald Nzé (AS Mangasport), Anthony Mfa Mezui (FC Rodange, Luxembourg)
• Defenders: Bruno Ecuele Manga (Chamois Niortais, France), Lloyd Palun (RWD Molenbeek, Belgium), Aaron Appindangoye (Free Agent), Johann Obiang (Stade Lavallois, France), David Sambissa (Pau FC, France), Sidney Obissa (Olympiakos Nicosia, Cyprus)
• Midfielders: Mario Lemina (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England), Guélor Kanga (Red Star Belgrade, Serbia), Jim Allevinah (Clermont Foot, France), Louis Ameka Autchanga (Sabah FC, Azerbaijan), Noha Lemina (Yverdon Sport FC, Switzerland), Yoann Wachter (US Saint-Malo, France)
• Forwards: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Marseille, France), Denis Bouanga (Los Angeles FC, USA), Axel Meye (CR Belouizdad, Algeria), Aaron Boupendza (Al-Shabab, Saudi Arabia), Ulrick Eneme Ella (Angers SCO, France)

With a blend of seasoned internationals and emerging talents, Gabon will be aiming to overcome Nigeria and keep their World Cup hopes alive.

Gabon unveils 27-man squad ahead of crucial World Cup playoff against Nigeria