The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled key regulations that will guide Nigeria’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff clash against Gabon. The highly anticipated one-legged encounter is set to determine which team advances closer to a World Cup ticket.
According to CAF, if the game ends level after 90 minutes, it will head into extra time, and if there’s still no winner, penalties will decide the outcome. Teams can make five substitutions during regulation time, with an extra substitution allowed if the game extends into extra time — giving coaches room to manage player fatigue.
Additionally, VAR (Video Assistant Referee) will be used to ensure fairness in key decisions involving goals, penalties, and red cards.
The match takes place Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. Kick-off is 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT).
The winner will face either Cameroon or DR Congo in the playoff final on Sunday, November 16, with a chance to qualify for the FIFA Intercontinental Playoff and ultimately the 2026 World Cup.
