Nigeria kept their dream of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive on Thursday night, earning a thrilling 4–1 extra-time victory over Gabon in Rabat to book a place in the final of the CAF World Cup play-offs.
The match was finely balanced at 1–1 after 90 minutes, forcing extra time where the Super Eagles showed their class. Chidera Ejuke and Victor Osimhen struck in quick succession to put Nigeria firmly in control.
Osimhen, who had missed a clear chance deep into stoppage time in regulation, let out his emotions after scoring — ripping off both his face mask and shirt in celebration. The Galatasaray forward later grabbed his second goal of the night early in the second period of extra time to seal Nigeria’s victory.
Earlier, Akor Adams looked to have secured the win in normal time when he punished a defensive blunder to give Nigeria a 1–0 lead in the 78th minute. But Mario Lemina’s deflected effort in the 89th minute brought Gabon level and sent the game into extra time.
Clinical finishing eventually made the difference, as Nigeria pulled away from the Panthers to secure a commanding win.
The Super Eagles will now face either Cameroon or DR Congo in the play-off final on Sunday at 19:00 GMT. The winner will progress to the six-team intercontinental qualifying tournament in March, where the final two spots for the 2026 World Cup will be decided.
