Nigeria 4–1 Gabon: Super Eagles Cruise Into World Cup Playoff Final

Nigeria is one step away from the 2026 World Cup after a dramatic 4–1 extra-time win over Gabon in the semi-final of the African playoffs on Thursday in Morocco.

Akor Adams opened the scoring for the Eagles in the 78th minute, but Gabon dragged the game into extra time after Mario Lemina’s late deflected strike. From there, Nigeria shifted into another gear—Chidera Ejuke scored his first goal for the Super Eagles, and Victor Osimhen delivered a brilliant brace to wrap up a dominant finish.

The victory came despite off-field tension, as the squad had been rocked by a bonus dispute with the NFF just 48 hours before kickoff. Still, the Eagles started brightly, showing no signs of distraction.

Zaidu Sanusi forced an early save from goalkeeper Marius Mbaba, and Adams had another chance moments later. Osimhen, who was lively all evening, saw multiple attempts kept out in the opening half as Nigeria controlled possession but couldn’t find a breakthrough.

Gabon later grew into the game, threatening on the counter, and Nwabali had to make a sharp save before halftime to keep things level.

The Panthers returned from the break more aggressive and even had a VAR scare fall their way when the referee reviewed a possible foul by Bright Osayi-Samuel. After the check, play resumed with Nigeria surviving the pressure.

The breakthrough finally came when Gabon’s Appindangoye mis-hit a backpass, allowing Adams to pounce and score into an empty net. But just when Nigeria thought they had done enough, Lemina’s deflected strike sent the tie to extra time.

Extra time, however, was all Nigeria.

Ejuke calmly finished from a Ndidi pass to restore the lead, before Osimhen—who had earlier missed two big chances—responded like a true striker by firing in Nigeria’s third from a tight angle. Minutes later, he added another with a brilliant chest control and finish to seal the 4–1 win.

Nigeria will now face the winner between DR Congo and Cameroon on Sunday. The winner of that match heads to Mexico in March for the intercontinental playoffs, where two remaining tickets to the 2026 World Cup will be decided.