The Nigeria Super Eagles on Thursday delivered a dominant performance against Gabon to secure their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off final.
A brace from Victor Osimhen, along with goals from Akor Adams and substitute Chidera Ejuke, sealed a 4–1 extra-time victory over Gabon.
Adams gave Nigeria the lead in the 78th minute, but just as the Super Eagles seemed poised for a 1–0 win, Mario Lemina equalised for Gabon in the 89th minute to force extra time.
In extra time, Ejuke restored Nigeria’s lead in the 97th minute with his first goal for the Super Eagles. Osimhen, who had missed several chances during regular time, extended the lead in the 102nd minute, firing across goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba into the far corner after being set up by Benjamin Fredrick.
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Eight minutes later, the Galatasaray striker struck again, controlling a long pass before once more beating Mbaba with a precise shot into the far corner.
The Super Eagles will now face either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo, who kick off at 19:00 GMT, in the African final on Sunday. A place in the six-nation intercontinental play-offs next March will be at stake.
The two winners of the finals in this tournament will qualify for the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Bolivia and New Caledonia have already secured their places.
Nigeria sprung a pre-match surprise by leaving regular captain and centre-back William Troost-Ekong on the bench, with Beşiktaş midfielder Wilfred Ndidi donning the captain’s armband.
Another notable substitute was Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka, whose late goal in a 4–0 group win over Benin last month helped Nigeria edge Burkina Faso to reach the play-offs.
