The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released the key match regulations that will govern Nigeria’s high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff clash against Gabon. As the Super Eagles intensify preparations for this winner-takes-all fixture, these procedural guidelines confirm how the crucial encounter will be decided.
The regulations confirm that if the match ends in a draw after 90 minutes, it will proceed to extra time, and if extra time fails to produce a winner, the tie will be determined via a penalty shootout. Regarding player substitutions, teams will be allowed to make up to five substitutions during regular time, with an additional sixth substitution permitted if the match is extended into extra time, offering coaches strategic flexibility to manage fatigue.
Finally, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology will be in operation for the playoff, assisting match officials in major decision-making involving goals, penalties, red cards, and cases of mistaken identity, ensuring fairness and accuracy for this decisive fixture.
The Nigeria vs. Gabon clash is a single-match semi-final within a centralized mini-tournament being held in Morocco.
Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
Time: 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT)
Venue: Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco
The winner of this match will proceed to the African play-off final on Sunday, November 16, to face either Cameroon or DR Congo, with the ultimate tournament champion advancing to the FIFA Inter-Continental Play-Off for a chance at a 2026 World Cup berth.
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