Nigeria have booked their spot in the final round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-offs after defeating Gabon 4-1 in extra time.
Chidera Ejuke and Victor Osimhen scored in the first half of extra time after the game ended 1-1 in Rabat. Osimhen ripped off his face mask and shirt in celebration — relief after missing a clear late chance in stoppage time.
Ejuke added another goal five minutes later to secure a dominant win for the Super Eagles.
Nigeria Take Control After a Nervy Start
Nigeria looked stronger throughout the match. Akor Adams gave them the lead in the 78th minute after pouncing on a poor back pass.
However, Gabon equalized in the 89th minute through Mario Lemina’s deflected shot, sending the game into extra time. Nigeria then punished their opponents with two quick goals to seal the victory.
The Super Eagles will face either Cameroon or DR Congo in Sunday’s play-off final at 19:00 GMT. The winner will move to the intercontinental qualifier in March, where two World Cup spots are up for grabs.
Osimhen and Ejuke Lead Nigeria’s Comeback
Nigeria missed the 2022 World Cup, and their journey back has been full of challenges. They changed coaches twice and only reached the play-offs on goal difference.
Despite a training boycott earlier in the week over unpaid bonuses, the players stayed focused. They pressed hard from the start, creating several chances in the rain.
Adams was denied early, and Osimhen missed a header from close range. Gabon relied on counter-attacks but struggled to break Nigeria’s defense, anchored by Benjamin Frederick.
VAR Drama and Solid Defense
Gabon appealed for a penalty early in the second half after Bright Osayi-Samuel appeared to tug Aaron Appindangoye’s shirt. After a long VAR review, the referee waved play on.
Top Gabon forwards Denis Bouanga and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who had scored 15 goals combined in qualifying, were largely silenced. Nigeria’s defense stayed compact and disciplined.
Super Eagles One Step Away
Coach Eric Chelle, the first non-Nigerian African to lead the team, extended his unbeaten run since taking charge in January. His calm approach and tactical discipline have improved team spirit and performance.
Now, Chelle and the Super Eagles are just one win away from returning to the biggest stage in world football — the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
