FIFA Releases African World Cup Playoffs Update

 By Augustine Felix 

The race for Africa’s final ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its last, nerve-stretching stage as FIFA officially confirms the playoff fixtures for the continent.

According to the latest update, Nigeria will face Gabon, while Cameroon battles DR Congo in the semi-finals of the CAF Playoffs. The matches will take place in Morocco between November 13 and 16, 2025, as part of the newly designed knockout format to determine Africa’s representative in the inter-confederation playoffs.

The playoff round features the four best runners-up from the group stage of the African qualifiers. Each tie will be played as a single-leg match, with winners advancing to a final showdown that will produce one team to represent Africa in the global inter-continental playoff.

FIFA’s latest structure is part of its expansion drive for the 2026 World Cup, which will feature 48 teams for the first time in history.

For Nigeria’s Super Eagles, the encounter against Gabon offers a path to redemption after a rocky qualification campaign. Fans hope the team, led by Victor Osimhen, can reclaim the pride of a footballing nation hungry for its return to the world stage.

As November approaches, the stage is set for a continental battle of nerves, a test not just of skill, but of resilience and belief.