Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong acknowledge Aubameyang’s threat ahead of World Cup playoff

Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong has acknowledged Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s threat ahead of key 2026 World Cup playoff against Gabon.

The West African football heavyweights missed out on automatic World Cup qualification, and are set to participate in a playoff to determine their fate for the tournament to be staged in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

The playoff structure sees Nigeria face Gabon on November 13 at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in Rabat, while Cameroon takes on DR Congo. The winners will compete on November 16 for a spot in the intercontinental playoffs.

“Gabon is a strong team. Aubameyang continues to lead from the front, causing problems for defenders. I’ve played against him in Saudi Arabia, and I know what he brings,” Troost-Ekong said. “In Africa, you can’t underestimate any team, and we certainly won’t do that with Gabon.”

Currently, Nigeria has 21 players in camp as they gear up for the crunch game against the Panthers on Thursday.

The Super Eagles almost have a complete squad, with the three remaining players expected to join camp on Tuesday.