Nigeria Storms Into World Cup Playoff Final After 4–1 Extra-Time Victory Over Gabon
The Super Eagles moved a step closer to qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after overpowering Gabon 4–1 in extra time during the first semi-final of the African playoffs in Morocco on Thursday. Three extra-time goals a brace from Victor Osimhen and a composed finish from Chidera Ejuke sealed Nigeria’s place in Sunday’s final.
Akor Adams opened scoring for Nigeria in the 78th minute, capitalising on a defensive error, but Gabon forced extra time when Mario Lemina’s shot deflected off Bright Osayi-Samuel to make it 1–1 in the 89th minute.
Despite a bonus dispute with the Nigeria Football Federation just 48 hours before the match, the Eagles showed no signs of distraction and dominated the early exchanges. Zaidu Sanusi was first to test Gabon goalkeeper Marius Mbaba with a long-range free kick, before Adams missed an early one-on-one chance. Victor Osimhen threatened several times, including a close header from an Alex Iwobi cross which Mbaba parried brilliantly.
While Nigeria controlled possession, Gabon grew into the game around the half-hour mark, forcing Stanley Nwabali into a crucial save from Royce-Drax Openda before halftime.
Gabon returned stronger for the second half, winning a free kick early on and pushing the Eagles into defensive mode. VAR also reviewed a potential penalty involving Osayi-Samuel, but the referee eventually waved play on. Coach Eric Chelle then refreshed the attack, introducing Moses Simon and Chidera Ejuke.
Nigeria finally broke the deadlock in the 78th minute when Adams pounced on a poor backpass from Aaron Appindangoye to slot home. But with the game winding down, Lemina struck a late equaliser for Gabon, sending the match into extra time.
Osimhen could have settled the contest during the 12 added minutes of regulation time but missed two clear chances — one across the face of goal and a shocking miss when through on goal courtesy of Wilfred Ndidi.
Ejuke restored Nigeria’s lead seven minutes into extra time after receiving a threaded pass from Ndidi, marking his first goal for the national team. Osimhen then redeemed himself five minutes later with a powerful low strike from a tight angle to make it 3–1.
Moments after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang almost punished Nwabali for a miscontrolled backpass, Osimhen produced his second goal of the night. He expertly controlled a long ball with his chest, cushioned it with his thigh, and smashed home Nigeria’s fourth.
With the 4–1 victory secured, the Super Eagles now advance to Sunday’s playoff final, where they will face the winner of the DR Congo vs Cameroon clash. The eventual champion will move on to the intercontinental playoffs in Mexico in March 2026, where two slots for the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico will be decided.
