Nigeria’s Super Eagles have qualified for the final of the African play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Gabon 4–1 after extra time on Thursday night in Rabat, Morocco.
The thrilling encounter saw Chidera Ejuke and Victor Osimhen score in the first half of extra time after both sides ended regulation time at 1–1.
Osimhen, who missed a glorious chance to seal victory late in stoppage time, redeemed himself by putting Nigeria ahead early in extra time. The Napoli striker celebrated passionately, ripping off his protective mask and shirt in relief.
Ejuke, who was in brilliant form throughout the game, added another goal five minutes later to make it 3–1, before grabbing his second of the night to seal the win for Nigeria.
Earlier in the match, Akor Adams gave the Super Eagles the lead in the 78th minute after capitalising on a defensive blunder by the Gabonese backline. However, Mario Lemina equalised for Gabon in the 89th minute with a deflected shot that took the game into extra time.
Nigeria dominated large spells of the contest, creating several chances but were repeatedly denied by poor finishing and good goalkeeping from the Gabonese side.
The Super Eagles will now face either Cameroon or DR Congo in the African play-off final on Sunday at 7:00 p.m. (GMT).
The winner of that match will advance to the six-team intercontinental qualifiers in March, which will determine the last two teams for next year’s World Cup.
