One Dream, Two Stars: Osimhen and Mbeumo Face Off in Crucial World Cup Play-offs

African stars Victor Osimhen of Nigeria and Bryan Mbeumo of Cameroon are locked in a race to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup — but only one will advance. Nigeria will battle Gabon, while Cameroon take on the Democratic Republic of Congo in the semi-finals of the African play-offs on Thursday in Rabat, Morocco. The victors will meet in Sunday’s final, also in Rabat, for a place in next March’s intercontinental play-offs, where two World Cup slots will be up for grabs against opponents from the Caribbean, South America, and Asia.

Nigeria enter as clear favourites, while Cameroon are slight favourites to reach the final and keep their qualification hopes alive for the expanded 48-nation World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With nine African nations — including Senegal, Morocco, and Ghana — already qualified, the play-offs offer a last opportunity for four runners-up to secure Africa’s 10th spot at the tournament. Osimhen, who recently hit a hat-trick against Benin and another for Galatasaray in the Champions League, is expected to lead Nigeria’s charge. Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle hailed him as “the best striker in the world,” adding that the team expects a tough contest in Morocco.

Despite being ranked far below Nigeria, Gabon boast an impressive qualifying record with eight wins and one draw. Their attacking duo, Denis Bouanga and veteran Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, remain key threats. Bouanga, nominated for the 2025 African Player of the Year award, has eight qualifying goals, while Aubameyang, 36, hopes to feature in his first and possibly last World Cup. “We now have a strong core and believe Gabon can achieve great things,” Bouanga said confidently ahead of the clash.

Cameroon, Africa’s most experienced World Cup side with eight appearances, are pinning their hopes on Mbeumo, who has been in fine form for Manchester United, scoring four goals in his last four Premier League matches. Coach Marc Brys hopes his star forward can replicate that form against DR Congo, who will be missing injured Newcastle winger Yoane Wissa. The Congolese narrowly missed topping their group after surrendering a two-goal lead to Senegal, setting the stage for a tense and decisive encounter in Rabat.