The Super Eagles of Nigeria booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff final after a thrilling 4-1 extra-time victory over Gabon at the Stade Mohammed V in Rabat on Wednesday.
After a tense 90 minutes that ended 1-1, Nigeria surged ahead in extra time thanks to goals from Chidera Ejuke and Victor Osimhen, who scored twice to seal the win. Akor Adams had earlier opened the scoring for Nigeria, while Mario Lemina’s late strike for Gabon kept the contest alive at the end of regulation time.
First Half Drama
Nigeria started the game on the front foot, with Wilfred Ndidi leading the midfield and Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams spearheading attacks. Early chances came and went, including a clear header from Osimhen that went wide, and a brilliant save by Gabon goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba to deny the Napoli striker.
Benjamin Fredrick, making only his second international start, impressed at centre-back, blocking a dangerous cross from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the first half. Despite sustained Nigerian pressure, both sides went into the break locked at 0-0.
Second Half Action
The second half remained competitive, with end-to-end play as both teams sought the breakthrough. Gabon appealed for a penalty after a shirt pull on Bright Osayi-Samuel, but VAR and referee Abongile Tom rightly ruled against it. Nigeria made two substitutions at the hour mark, bringing on Moses Simon and Chidera Ejuke for Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze.
Goals Decide the Clash
The deadlock was broken in the 78th minute when Akor Adams capitalized on a defensive error, rounded goalkeeper Mbaba, and slotted home to put Nigeria 1-0 ahead. Gabon responded in the 89th minute as Mario Lemina’s deflected strike leveled the score at 1-1, sending the match into extra time.
In the first half of extra time, Chidera Ejuke put Nigeria back in front with a precise finish following a slick team move, making it 2-1. Victor Osimhen added the third in the 102nd minute before completing his brace in the 110th minute to make it 4-1 and effectively secure Nigeria’s passage to the playoff final.
Next Step
With this win, the Super Eagles are set to face the winner of the Cameroon vs DR Congo semi-final for a chance to advance to the intercontinental playoff stage in March.
Nigeria now heads into the final with renewed confidence after a dominant display in extra time, showing resilience despite Gabon’s late equalizer.
Full-time Line-up (Nigeria): Stanley Nwabali (GK); Benjamin Frederick, Zaidu Sanusi, Wilfred Ndidi (C), Calvin Bassey, Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Bright Osayi-Samuel.
Substitutes: Maduka Okoye, Ola Aina, Frank Onyeka, Michael Onyemaechi, Abdullahi, Moses Simon, Obasogie, Nwadike, Chidera Ejuke, Olusegun.
Scorers: Nigeria — Akor Adams (78’), Chidera Ejuke (97’), Victor Osimhen (102’, 110’); Gabon — Mario Lemina (89’).
Nigeria will now aim to carry the momentum into Sunday night’s playoff final as they continue their quest for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
