Nigeria and DR Congo moved a step closer to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup with close-run international victories on Thursday.
In the African play-offs to reach the finals, the Super Eagles were taken to extra time by Gabon and The Leopards edged past Cameroon.
In the Asian section of qualifying, the United Arab Emirates and Iraq remain level after the first episode of their two-legged play-off.
101GreatGoals.com has the results and scorers from Nigeria vs Gabon, Cameroon vs Congo DR and the UAE vs Iraq in 2026 World Cup qualifying.
#AD 18+ Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. GambleAware.org Time limits and T&Cs apply.
Nigeria vs Gabon: Osimhen goals help Super Eagles
Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen was among the culprits as Nigeria squandered a succession of chances before taking a 78th-minute lead against Gabon when Akor Adams capitalised on a misplaced backpass.
Huge moment for Ejuke and Nigeria 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/Qdhtzx3Dmx
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 13, 2025
One of Osimhen’s club teammates, Mario Lemina, equalised in the 89th minute, but Chidera Ejuke struck during extra time and Osimhen followed suit twice as Nigeria won 4-1 to advance to the final on November 15, with the winners of that game progressing to the inter-confederation play-offs.
Osimhen makes it 3-1 for Nigeria 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/bqON51IrR3
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 13, 2025
Nigeria starting XI: Stanley Nwabali, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Fredrick, Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi, Samuel Chukwueze, Wilfred Ndidi, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams
Nigeria substitutes: Maduka Okoye, William Troost-Ekong, Chidera Ejuke, Frank Onyeka, Tolu Arokodare, Bruno Onyemaechi, Alhassan Yusuf, Moses Simon, Amas Obasogie, Raphael Onyedika, Chidozie Awaziem, Olakunle Olusegun
Gabon starting XI: Loyce Forebara, Anthony Oyono, Aapp per per perpan, Bruno Ecuee Allo saw, Jacque Ecomie, Jamin Leminy, Royce Open, Royce, No. Andr
Gabon substitutes: Luke Mounguono, Alex Mouckouto-Musonda, Joann Obiang, Do Marcolino Time, Marina’
Cameroon vs Congo DR:
Cameroon will miss out on a ninth appearance at the finals after Chancel Mbemba met Brian Cipenga’s corner for the 91st-minute winner to send DR Congo to a meeting with Nigeria.
Manchester United and Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana denied Cedric Bakambu during the second half, in which one of his club and country teammates, Bryan Mbeumo, also went close.
CONGO DR STUN CAMEROON IN STOPPAGE TIME AND ADVANCE TO THE FINAL 🇨🇩 🇨🇩 🇨🇩
THEY WILL FACE NIGERIA FOR A SPOT IN THE INTER-CONFEDERATION PLAYOFFS ON SUNDAY ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/QFtNQhLDiO
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 13, 2025
Cameroon starting XI: Andre Ona, Jackson Titchouka, Michael Castelletto, Michael Ngedeu, Nouhou Tolo, Arth Avoim, Romalab, Maharaadu, Maharaadu Alto
Cameroon substitutes: Simon Omossola, Malcom Bokele, Georges-Kevin N’koudou, Willitty Younossa, Vincent Aboububar, Christian Bassogog, Patrick Soko, Darlin Yungwa, Devis Epassy, Martin Hongla, Nicolas Ngamaleu,
DR Congo starting XI: Lionel Pasi, Aaron Wan-bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Joris Kayembe, Charles Pickel, Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussyy, Theo Bongonda, Cedric Bakambu, Nathanael Mbuku
DR Congo substitutes: Steve Kapudu, Edobene, Nangel Mukau, Samuel Essel, Gedeon Kaluluur, Arthur Masuak, Rock Bushri, Rocky Bushri, Fishonga,
United Arab Emirates vs Iraq: First leg level
With both teams also looking to reach the intercontinental play-offs, Luton Town forward Ali Al-Hamadi’s 10th-minute strike put Iraq ahead in Abu Dhabi.
Ali Al Zubaidi ignites the Iraqi dream 🤩 🇮🇶#AsianQualifiers | #UAEvIRQ pic.twitter.com/aJYfjmb44j
— #AsianQualifiers (@afcasiancup) November 13, 2025
Luanzinho’s header from Abdalla Ramadan’s cross eight minutes later ensured the game finished 1-1, although Caio Lucas had a goal disallowed for the UAE in the sixth minute of added time.
The man who steps up for 🇦🇪 UAE .. and he goes by the name of Luanzinho 🫡#AsianQualifiers | #UAEvIRQ pic.twitter.com/UXSfODAsvI
— #AsianQualifiers (@afcasiancup) November 13, 2025
The second leg is at the Basra International Stadium on Tuesday.
When 🇦🇪 UAE needed a hero, Khalid Eisa answered 🧤
A world-class save to keep 🇮🇶 Iraq at bay ⚡️#AsianQualifiers | #UAEvIRQ | #MagicMoments | @VisitSaudi pic.twitter.com/eQjrdHbSFB
— #AsianQualifiers (@afcasiancup) November 13, 2025
UAE starting XI: Khalid Eissa, Marcus Meloni, Ala Zouhir, Lucas Pimenta, Ruben Canedo, Luanzinho, Yahia Nader, Abdalla Ramadan, Sultan Adil, Harib Abdalla, Nicolas Gimenez
United Arab Emirates substitutes: Adel al Hosani, Koume Kouadio, Ali Saleh, Richard Akonnor, Caio Lucas, Caio Canado, Gaston Alvarez Suarez, M’hammed Rabii, Majid Rashid, Khaled Ebraheim, Bruno Conceicao, Hamad Al Meqbali
Iraq starting XI: Jalal Hassan, Hussein Ali, Zaid Tahseen, Akam Hashim, Merchas Doski, Marko Farji, Aimar Sher, Amir Al Ammari, Ali Jasim, Ali Al Zubaidi, Mohanad Ali
Iraq substitutes: Fahad Talib, Mustafa Sadoun, Munaf Younus, Sherko Karim, Hasan Abdulkareem, Hussein Ali, Zidane Iqbal, Ahmed Al Hajjaj, Aymen Hussein, Kevin Yakob, Osama Rashid, Ahmed Basil
When are the World Cup play-offs?
The teams are competing to play in deciders taking place in March 2026.
When is the draw for the 2026 World Cup?
The draw for the World Cup finals will take place in December 2025. The tournament runs from June 11 until July 19 2026.
