Chijioke Gabriel
The stage is set for a high-octane showdown as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed fixtures for the eagerly anticipated Africa Super 4 Play-Offs — the final qualifying hurdle for the continent’s additional slot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to the official line-up released on Tuesday, Nigeria’s Super Eagles will square off against Gabon’s Panthers, while Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions battle Congo DR’s Leopards in the other semi-final. The two matches will determine the finalists, with the eventual champion proceeding to the Intercontinental Play-Off for a possible World Cup ticket.
The semi-final fixtures are scheduled for 13 November 2025, while the final will hold on 16 November, with all matches expected to take place at a neutral venue in Morocco, as confirmed by CAF.
The new “Super 4” format was introduced to give Africa an extra opportunity to increase its representation at the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will feature 48 teams for the first time in history. The winner of the play-offs will face a team from another confederation — possibly from Asia, Oceania, or South America — in the FIFA Intercontinental Play-Offs, where two World Cup slots will be up for grabs.
For Nigeria, the clash against Gabon presents both an opportunity for redemption and a stern test of character. The Super Eagles narrowly missed automatic qualification after finishing second in their group, and head coach Eric Chelle has promised to approach the play-offs with renewed focus and tactical discipline.
The other semi-final will see two heavyweights — Cameroon and Congo DR — reignite their Central African rivalry. Both nations have strong World Cup histories, and their meeting promises to be one of the fiercest encounters in recent CAF qualifying history.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe described the play-offs as “a celebration of African football excellence,” stressing that the new format aims to ensure that “Africa’s best teams have a fair shot on the world stage.”
With continental pride and a World Cup ticket at stake, the Africa Super 4 promises drama, passion, and a new chapter in the story of African football glory.