Mbeumo, Aubameyang, other big names who may rock Super Eagles’ boat at CAF playoff

Having failed to qualify automatically for the 2026 FIFA World Cup from Group C of the qualifying series, three-time Africa champions the Super Eagles of Nigeria now face a daunting task- the CAF and Intercontinental playoffs. Nigeria finished second in Group C behind South Africa who picked the sole group ticket, but the Super Eagles […]

Having failed to qualify automatically for the 2026 FIFA World Cup from Group C of the qualifying series, three-time Africa champions the Super Eagles of Nigeria now face a daunting task- the CAF and Intercontinental playoffs.

Nigeria finished second in Group C behind South Africa who picked the sole group ticket, but the Super Eagles were able to finish as one of the best four runner-up in the continent which qualified them for the single-knock out tournament to be staged from November 13-16 in Morocco.

As the highest ranked of the quartet, Nigeria will play the first semi-final match of the CAF playoff against the least ranked team Gabon on Thursday, November 13, while the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon slug it out with Congo DR in the second semi-final match.

The winners of the two semi-final matches will contest the decisive final of the playoff on November 16 where the country that emerges victorious would pick Africa’s sole ticket in the intercontinental playoffs to be played in March 2026 in Mexico, one of the host countries of the World Cup.

Therefore, the Super Eagles opened their camp in Rabat on Sunday, November 9, where the team is preparing for Thursday’s must-win clash with the Panthers of Gabon at El Barid Stadium.

If they win against Gabon, the Super Eagles will contend with either archrivals Cameroon or Congo DR. These countries boast of some high profile players who can hold their own against any opponent.

From Bryan Mbeuma of Manchester United and Cameroon, Pierre- Emerick Aubayemang of Marseille and Gabon, and Aaron Wan-Bisaka of West Ham United and Congo DR, the quality of adversaries standing in the way of the Super Eagles is not in doubt.

Daily Trust, therefore, profiles some of these influential players in the lineups of Gabon, Cameroon or Congo DR, who have the capacity to rock the Super Eagles’ boat and deny them a seventh World Cup appearance.

 

Gabon

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Marseille)

At 36, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang remains the heartbeat of Gabonese football. Leading the line for Olympique de Marseille and captaining the national team, the right-footed striker continues to terrify defences with his trademark pace and razor-sharp movement. Few can match his instinct for timing a run or finding space where none seems to exist. Whether sprinting in behind or finishing with icy precision inside the box, Aubameyang is still every defender’s nightmare.

 

Mario Lemina (Galatasaray)

A veteran presence at Galatasaray, Mario Lemina brings steel, stamina, and savvy to the heart of midfield. The 32-year-old is as comfortable breaking up play as he is bursting forward to launch an attack. Right-footed and physically imposing, Lemina’s game thrives on energy and intent — a tireless engine who bridges defence and attack with surging runs and composed distribution.

 

Guélor Kanga (Erokspor)

A familiar name for Gabon fans, Guélor Kanga continues to weave his magic in Turkey with Esenler Erokspor. The 35-year-old right-footed playmaker is all about rhythm and creativity. Blessed with a low centre of gravity and exquisite technique, Kanga glides through midfield, threading passes and exploiting pockets of space.

 

Denis Bouanga (Los Angeles)

For Denis Bouanga, football is all about directness and danger. The Los Angeles FC star, 30, has built his reputation on speed, skill, and a ruthless eye for goal. Right-footed but most dangerous cutting in from the left, Bouanga torments defenders with his quick feet and explosive acceleration.

 

Cameroon

Bryan Mbeumo (Man United)

Inarguably the most influential player in the present squad, Mbeumo who plays for Manchester United is defenders’ nightmare. He is known for his pace, dribbling skills and goal-scoring ability. The player who has hit the ground running at his new club operates as a right-winger but can also be deployed as an inside forward or a central striker.

 

Carlos Baleba (Brighton)

Baleba, 21, rose from humble beginnings in Douala to become a promising midfielder for Brighton & Hove Albion in the English Premier League. The player who was the target of Manchester United and several other clubs in the last transfer window is Known for his exceptional dribbling, stamina, and ball-recovery skills.

 

Eric Moumi Ngamaleu (Dynamo Moscow)

Ngamaleu is known for his dynamic and versatile style of play, primarily as an attacking winger or a midfielder. He uses his pace to make penetrating runs down the wings, beating defenders and creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.

 

 Arthur Avom (Lorient)

This young talented player plays as a central midfielder for French club Lorient and the Cameroon national team. A rising talent, the 20-year-old is known for his determination and work rate. He is also known for his powerful running, defensive contributions, and ability to drive play forward from the midfield.

 

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (New York Red Bulls)

One of the oldest players in the team, Choupo-Moting who was born in Germany has had a distinguished career playing for major clubs across Europe and now in Major League Soccer (MLS) with New York Red Bulls. Known for his versatility as a forward, he has a reputation as a reliable and experienced team player. Choupo-Moting is not considered a traditional “classic number nine” but rather a gifted, well-rounded forward.

 

 Jackson Tchatchoua (Wolves)

Born in Belgium, Tchatchoua is a pacy full-back for Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers. The 24-year old is dynamic and fast wing-back known for his powerful, attacking runs down the flank. His style of play is defined by his explosive pace and stamina, which he uses to great effect in both offense and defense.

 

Congo DR

Aaron Wan‑Bissaka (West Ham United)

The England born made his debut for DR Congo in September 2025 in a 4–1 win over South Sudan national football team in Group B qualifying. Wan-Bissaka has strengthened the DR Congo defensive cover, reducing Nigeria’s usual avenues down their left side. His presence could help the Leopards stifle wide attacks and transition play quickly.

 

Chancel Mbemba (Lille OSC)

The long-serving captain of DR Congo with a record of 95 caps and 6 goals. He contributed immensely to his country’s Playoff berth. A towering figure in the defence, Mbemba was instrumental to his team conceding only six goals in 10 matches.

 

Theo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow)

Bongonda was pivotal in the qualifiers as his pacy ability from the left wing came to bear leading to goals against Sudan and South Sudan when he cut inside to finish. His crucial goal in the 1-0 win against Sudan helped his team clinch the playoff ticket.

 

Ngal’ayel Mukau (Lille OSC)

He is one of the rising stars in the DR Congo national team, known for his technical quality and tactical maturity despite his young age. The central midfielder who can play both defensive and attacking is known for his calmness in possession and ability to move the ball efficiently between the defensive and attacking thirds.

 

Arthur Masuaku (Sunderland)

He is one of the most experienced and technically gifted members of the DR Congo team. Masuaku is known for his attacking flair from defence, for overlapping runs, dribbling ability, and creative crosses from wide positions.

His defensive ability is not limited to the backline as he can comfortably carry the ball forward, often acting as an additional playmaker down the left flank.

 

Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley FC)

He featured in nine of the 10 matches in the qualifiers, averaging four clearances and two interceptions per game. He is known for timely tackles and good reading of the game.