Zimbabwe v Benin

Zimbabwe v Benin

Payment boycott threatens Nigeria's crucial FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon

Nigeria players call off boycott, resume training, after discussions with NFF

Africa's World Cup playoffs - Will Nigeria and Cameroon's off-field dramas scupper their chances?

Payment boycott threatens Nigeria's crucial FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon

Nigeria players call off boycott, resume training, after discussions with NFF

Africa's World Cup playoffs - Will Nigeria and Cameroon's off-field dramas scupper their chances?

Game Information

FIFA World Cup Qualifying - CAF Standings

WCQ - CAF News

2026 World Cup Qualifying - CAF, Group Stage

ZimbabweZimbabweZIM

0-3-2, 3 PTS

BeninBeninBEN

2-2-1, 8 PTS

Marshall Munetsi - 44'

Knowledge Musona - 59'

Steve Mounié - 12'

Dodo Dokou - 35'

22
Arubi
5
Lunga
2
Takwara
4
Garananga
23
Jalai
10
Rinomhota
8
Munetsi
3
Zemura
11
Billiat
17
Musona
9
Dube

No.Name
22Washington Arubi
2Gerald Takwara
4Munashe Garananga
5Divine Lunga
23Emmanuel Jalai
11Khama Billiat 7Terrence Dzvukamanja
10Andy Rinomhota 12Walter Tatenda Musona
8Marshall Munetsi
9Prince Dube 20Tawanda Chirewa
3Jordan Zemura
17Knowledge Musona 19Tawanda Maswanhise

Substitutes
14Peter Muduwa
16Martin Mapisa
21Godknows Murwira
6Isheanasu Mauchi
13Tymon Machope
1Marley Tavaziva
15Mthokozisi Msebe
18Richard Hachiro

1
Dandjinou
12
Kiki
13
Tijani
5
Roche
11
Moumini
8
Imourane
15
D'Almeida
18
Olaitan
19
Dokou
17
Hountondji
9
Mounié

No.Name
1Marcel Dandjinou
13Mohamed Tijani
5Yohan Roche
12David Kiki 22Rabiou Sankamao
11Rachid Moumini 3Tamimou Ouorou
19Dodo Dokou 7Samadou Attidjikou
8Hassane Imourane
15Sessi D'Almeida
9Steve Mounié
18Junior Olaitan 20Jodel Dossou
17Andreas Hountondji

Substitutes
4Moïse Adilehou
16Saturnin Allagbé
14Mariano Ahouangbo
2Brandon Agounon
21Steve Traoré
10Candas Fiogbe
6Gislain Ahoudo
23Serge Obassa

Moses Mabhida Stadium

12:00 PM, March 20, 2025Coverage: ESPN+

Durban, South Africa

Attendance: 5,000

Referees:
Bamlak Tessema Weyesa

Just two days before their important 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoff semi-final game against Gabon, the full Nigeria squad, including officials, decided to boycott training in Morocco because of unresolved money issues.

Nigeria's preparation for Thursday's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off semifinal against Gabon got back on track after the standoff between players and the NFF over unpaid bonuses was called off.

Ahead of this week's African qualifying playoffs -- as Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo look to keep their World Cup hopes alive -- here's ESPN's bumper preview, with predictions.

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South Africa