By Peter Omopo
Nigeria’s Super Eagles kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup dreams alive on Thursday after a thrilling 4–1 extra-time victory over Gabon in the CAF Playoff semifinals at the Stade Prince Moulay Al Hassan, Rabat, Morocco.
Star striker Victor Osimhen led the charge with a brilliant extra-time brace, while Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke also found the net in what turned into a dominant finish for the three-time African champions.
The match began as a tense encounter, with both sides creating chances but failing to capitalize. Nigeria broke the deadlock in the 78th minute when Akor Adams capitalized on a defensive blunder by Gabon, rounding the goalkeeper to score.
However, Gabon equalized in the 89th minute after Mario Lemina’s deflected shot slipped past Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, forcing the game into extra time.
Nigeria regained control in the extra period, with Ejuke restoring the lead in the 97th minute through a composed finish. Osimhen then stole the show, scoring twice in the 102nd and 110th minutes to seal a comprehensive 4–1 victory for the Super Eagles.
The win came after a turbulent buildup marked by a reported standoff between the players and the Nigerian Football Federation over unpaid bonuses. Team captain William Troost-Ekong later confirmed that the issue had been resolved, assuring fans of the team’s unity and focus.
Nigeria, who missed qualification for the 2022 World Cup after losing to Ghana, will now face the winner between Congo DR and Cameroon in the playoff final for a place in the six-team inter-confederation playoff scheduled for March 2026.
The victory sparked celebrations among Nigerian fans, who hailed the Super Eagles’ resilience and Osimhen’s heroics as the team edges closer to reclaiming a spot on football’s biggest stage.
