Nigeria’s Super Eagles stormed into the final round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoffs with a dramatic 4-1 extra-time victory over Gabon at the Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat. The intense semi-final clash remained tied 1-1 after 90 minutes before Nigeria pulled away with three goals in extra time.
Victor Osimhen, who missed a golden chance late in regular time, redeemed himself with a brace in extra time, bringing his total to eight goals in the qualifiers. Chidera Ejuke also found the net, while Akor Adams had opened the scoring in the 78th minute after pouncing on a defensive error.
Gabon’s only goal came in the 89th minute, when Mario Lemina’s shot deflected off Bright Osayi-Samuel to wrong-foot Stanley Nwabali and force extra time.
The Super Eagles had dominated much of the first half, with Osimhen twice coming close — first from an Akor Adams cross and later from a setup by Alex Iwobi. A controversial handball incident in the 28th minute was waved off.
Ejuke restored Nigeria’s lead in the 97th minute following a pinpoint pass from Wilfred Ndidi. Osimhen then took over, scoring in the 102nd and 110th minutes to seal a comprehensive win.
With this victory, Nigeria advances to the final playoff round where they will face the winner of the Cameroon vs DR Congo tie. A win in that fixture would secure their spot at the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026 in Mexico.
