The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed Rabat, the Moroccan capital, as the host city for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff match against Gabon. The encounter is scheduled to take place on Thursday, November 13.
CAF’s confirmation puts an end to weeks of speculation regarding the exact venue, after Morocco was earlier announced as the host nation without specifying a city or stadium. Sports journalist Osasu Obayiuwana confirmed that the Olympic Stadium in Rabat has been selected to host the games.
The playoff series will follow a knockout format featuring two semi-final matches and a final. In the first semi-final, Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face Gabon, while Cameroon will battle Congo DR in the second. The winners of both matches will clash in the final on Sunday, November 16, to decide which team qualifies for the 2026 World Cup.
The Rabat Olympic Stadium, renowned for hosting the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, is regarded as one of Africa’s top football venues.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles, one of the continent’s most successful teams, will be aiming to secure their return to the global stage as they chase qualification for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup.
