Benin v Lesotho

Benin v Lesotho

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

BeninBeninBEN

4-2-2, 14 PTS

LesothoLesothoLES

1-3-4, 6 PTS

Steve Mounié - 6'

Andreas Hountondji - 23'

Hassane Imourane - 33'

Junior Olaitan - 67'

1
Dandjinou
5
Roche
13
Tijani
6
Verdon
11
Moumini
8
Imourane
18
Olaitan
15
D'Almeida
17
Hountondji
9
Mounié
22
Aloko

No.Name
1Marcel Dandjinou
13Mohamed Tijani
6Olivier Verdon
5Yohan Roche 3Tamimou Ouorou
11Rachid Moumini
18Junior Olaitan 19Dodo Dokou
8Hassane Imourane
15Sessi D'Almeida 2Samadou Attidjikou
9Steve Mounié
17Andreas Hountondji 10Candas Fiogbe
22Rodolfo Aloko 14Razack Rachidou

Substitutes
20Jodel Dossou
23Serge Obassa
16Saturnin Allagbé
21Rodrigue Kossi
7Matteo Ahlinvi
4Cédric Hountondji
12David Kiki

16
Moerane
13
Matlabe
20
Makhele
2
Mkhwanazi
14
Malane
15
Thabantso
19
Matsau
5
Bereng
12
Makateng
4
Toloane
9
Motebang

No.Name
16Sekhoane Moerane
20Thabo Makhele
2Motlomelo Mkhwanazi
13Fusi Matlabe
14Thabang Malane 3Siyabonga Monyaka
12Katleho Makateng
15Jane Thabantso
19Lehlohonolo Matsau
9Sera Motebang
5Tshwarelo Bereng 8Kananelo Rapuleng
4Tsepo Toloane 7Thabo Maphakisa

Substitutes
18Lebohang Lesako
17Thato Malakia Sefoli
1Mosoeu Seahlolo
21Rethabile Mokokoane
6Bokang Sello
11Neo Mokhachane
22Tlotliso Phatsisi
23Nthebe Majoro

Felix Houphouet-Boigny

3:00 PM, September 9, 2025Coverage: ESPN+

Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Attendance: 3,417

Referees:
Mahmood Ismail

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