After missing out on direct qualification, Nigeria’s Super Eagles still have a lifeline to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the African playoffs in Morocco later this month.
They’ll face Gabon, Cameroon, and DR Congo for the continent’s sole ticket to the Intercontinental playoffs in Mexico, set for March 2026.
A look back: Super Eagles’ World Cup qualifier battles
Before the crucial playoffs, let’s revisit how Nigeria’s Super Eagles have fared in past World Cup qualifier matches against Gabon, Cameroon, and DR Congo.
These encounters tell a story of tough rivalries, narrow wins, and unforgettable moments.
Nigeria 1-0 Gabon (1990 World Cup Qualifiers – First Leg)
The journey began in the 1990 qualifiers. Playing in Enugu, Wole Odegbami scored early to give Nigeria a slim but vital 1-0 win. It was a solid start in a group that also featured Cameroon and Angola.
Gabon 2-1 Nigeria (1990 World Cup qualifiers – second leg)
The return leg in Libreville ended in a 2-1 defeat for Nigeria — their first loss in the campaign. Despite their efforts, Cameroon topped the group and advanced, while the Super Eagles settled for second.
Gabon 1-1 Nigeria (2006 World Cup qualifiers – first leg)
Fast-forward to 2006. In Libreville, Gabon struck first, but Yakubu Aiyegbeni’s equaliser earned the Super Eagles a valuable 1-1 draw.
Nigeria 2-0 Gabon (2006 World Cup qualifiers – second Lleg)
Back home in Port Harcourt, late goals from Julius Aghahowa and Nwankwo Kanu sealed a comfortable 2-0 victory.
Unfortunately, despite finishing level on points with Angola, Nigeria lost out on head-to-head results.
Fierce rivalry: Nigeria vs Cameroon in World Cup qualifiers
Nigeria 1-1 Cameroon (1970 World Cup qualifiers – first leg)
The Super Eagles first met Cameroon in the 1970 qualifiers. The match in Lagos ended 1-1, setting up a dramatic second leg.
Cameroon 2-3 Nigeria (1970 World Cup qualifiers – second leg)
In Douala, Nigeria edged Cameroon 3-2 to progress. Though they later fell short of World Cup qualification, it marked one of the team’s early continental triumphs.
Nigeria 2-0 Cameroon (1990 World Cup qualifiers – first leg)
Two decades later, goals from Stephen Keshi and Samson Siasia gave Nigeria a confident 2-0 home win over Cameroon in Ibadan.
Cameroon 1-0 Nigeria (1990 World Cup qualifiers – second leg)
In the decisive reverse fixture in Yaounde, Francois Omam-Biyik’s goal gave Cameroon victory and the group’s top spot.
Nigeria 4-0 Cameroon (2018 World Cup Qualifiers – First Leg)
Uyo witnessed one of Nigeria’s best-ever qualifier performances. Goals from Odion Ighalo, John Obi Mikel, Victor Moses, and Kelechi Iheanacho secured a dominant 4-0 win.
Cameroon 1-1 Nigeria (2018 World Cup qualifiers – second leg)
In Yaounde, Moses Simon opened the scoring before Vincent Aboubakar equalised from the spot. Nigeria still topped the group to book a place at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria vs DR Congo: A rivalry yet to begin
The Super Eagles and DR Congo have never faced off in a World Cup qualifier. Their only brush came in 1978 when DR Congo (then Zaire) withdrew, handing Nigeria a walkover. The Super Eagles later lost out to Tunisia in the final round.
Looking ahead to the 2026 African playoffs
History shows that Nigeria’s Super Eagles have always found a way to fight back. As they prepare to face Gabon, Cameroon, and DR Congo again, fans will hope the team can draw strength from these past battles — and claim their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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