LIBREVILLE, Gabon -- Gabon's former first lady and her son were sentenced in absentia by a special criminal court to 20 years in prison following a two-day trial in Libreville. Sylvia Bongo and Noureddin Bongo Valentin were convicted of concealment and embezzlement of public funds, money laundering, criminal association and forgery.

This is going to get people talking...This Thursday evening, Nigeria and Gabon face off in Morocco for a spot in the final of the African zone playoff tournament for qualification to the 2026 World

The Bongo family ruled Gabon for more than five decades. Ali Bongo was in power for 14 years before he was ousted. He had succeeded his father, Omar Bongo, who had ruled for 42 years. Over the years, the family has been accused of amassing wealth for themselves at the expense of the country - allegations they deny.

Nigeria vs. Gabon in World Cup qualifiers kicks off at 11 a.m. ET on Nov. 13. This fixture takes place at the Moulay Hassan Stadium. Nigeria vs. Gabon in World Cup qualifiers is available to live stream for free on FIFA+.

Nigeria reached the CAF play-off final and ended Gabon’s World Cup 26 qualification hopes, Victor Osimhen making the difference in extra-time.

A Gabon court sentences ex–first lady Sylvia Bongo and her son to 20 years in prison for embezzlement and money laundering after a two-day trial.

Nigeria vs GabonThe first semi-final of the 2026 World Cup playoffs is set for Thursday. Check out the official lineups for this high-stakes Nigeria vs Gabon clash.The opening semi-final of the 2026