Nigeria’s Super Eagles delivered a powerful statement of intent in Rabat on Thursday night, overcoming a late setback to crush Gabon 4–1 after extra time and march into the CAF World Cup playoff final.
What began as a tense, frustrating encounter ended with Victor Osimhen taking complete control of the stage—scoring twice in extra time—to drag Nigeria to within one match of the intercontinental playoff.
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Despite dominating early proceedings, Nigeria struggled to break through a disciplined Gabonese backline. Long spells of possession yielded little, and the anxiety of the occasion was visible across the pitch as the Eagles pushed for an opener.
The pressure finally cracked in the 78th minute when Akor Adams capitalised on a defensive error to smash home the opener. His goal seemed set to secure the win—until Gabon struck a heartbreaking equaliser in the 89th minute through Mario Lemina, whose deflected shot left Stanley Nwabali stranded and forced extra time.
But instead of folding, Nigeria responded with ruthless intent.
Barely seven minutes into extra time, Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s lead after a slick combination involving Wilfred Ndidi. That opened the floodgates—and Osimhen took charge.
The Galatasaray star, tightly marked for most of the match, suddenly found the space he had been denied all night. His sharp angled finish in the 102nd minute made it 3–1, and his composed effort in the 110th minute sealed the victory, sending the Nigerian bench and travelling supporters into wild celebration.
Coach Eric Chelle’s tactical decisions proved decisive. Early substitutions injected energy into midfield, while late defensive adjustments ensured Nigeria remained compact even as they pushed forward.
Gabon, stunned by Nigeria’s intensity in extra time, simply had no response.
With this emphatic win, the Super Eagles advance to the playoff final, awaiting the winner between Cameroon and DR Congo. One more match now stands between Nigeria and the intercontinental playoff—and two matches between them and a return to the FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria’s Goals: Akor Adams (78’), Chidera Ejuke (97’), Victor Osimhen (102’, 110’)
Gabon Goal: Mario Lemina (89’)
