Super Eagles players celebrate goal against Gabon.
Nigeria took a major step toward qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday night as Victor Osimhen delivered a superb brace to help the Super Eagles outclass Gabon 4–1 after extra time, sealing a place in the play-off final.
The game, played at a packed neutral venue, was a rollercoaster of emotions. Akor Adams opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 78th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error to put the Eagles in front. But just when it seemed they would cruise to victory, Gabon’s Mario Lemina struck in the 89th minute to level matters and force extra time.
Substitute Chidera Ejuke reignited Nigeria’s charge in the 97th minute, netting his first international goal to restore the lead. Moments later, Osimhen — who had earlier squandered a golden chance late in regulation — made amends with a clinical finish across goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba in the 102nd minute after a clever pass from Benjamin Fredrick.
The Napoli striker wasn’t done yet. In the 110th minute, he latched onto a long ball, controlled expertly, and once again beat Mbaba with a sharp strike into the far corner, putting the result beyond doubt.
Nigeria will now face the winner between Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo in Sunday’s African final, with a place in the six-nation intercontinental play-offs next March on the line. The victors from those play-offs will join the 2026 World Cup co-hosts — the United States, Canada, and Mexico — along with Bolivia and New Caledonia, who have already secured qualification.
Coach Finidi George surprised fans by starting without regular captain William Troost-Ekong, who remained on the bench, while Wilfred Ndidi captained the side. Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka, another substitute, was instrumental again after his decisive goal in the 4–0 win over Benin that ensured Nigeria’s play-off qualification.
The first half saw Nigeria dominate possession, with Osimhen threatening repeatedly but unable to convert. Twice he headed narrowly wide, and once had a handball appeal waved off after a VAR review. Gabon also had their own penalty claim turned down when Bright Osayi-Samuel appeared to tug Aaron Appindangoye’s shirt inside the box, but the referee dismissed the appeals after consulting VAR.
Adams’ opener stemmed from persistence and pressing — intercepting a misplaced pass, rounding Mbaba, and slotting home confidently. Gabon’s equalizer came with a touch of fortune as Lemina’s strike took a deflection that wrong-footed goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
However, the Super Eagles’ resilience and Osimhen’s brilliance in extra time ensured Nigeria’s dream of a seventh World Cup appearance remains alive.
