By Deborah Nnamdi
Nigeria inched closer to a return to the FIFA World Cup on Thursday after defeating Gabon 4–1 in extra time to advance to the final of the African play-offs for the 2026 tournament.
The Super Eagles, who missed out on Qatar 2022, looked set for a narrow win when Akor Adams punished a defensive error to put them ahead in the 78th minute. But Gabon forced extra time after Mario Lemina’s deflected strike beat Stanley Nwabali in the 89th minute.
Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s lead seven minutes into extra time, scoring his first international goal after coming on as a substitute. Victor Osimhen then took charge of the night, atoning for a late miss in regulation time by producing two clinical finishes in the 102nd and 110th minutes to seal the victory.
Osimhen, who had earlier fired wide with only goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba to beat, unleashed his relief in celebrations—ripping off his protective face mask and shirt after scoring his first of the night.
Nigeria had dominated most of the match in rainy conditions in Rabat, with Osimhen threatening repeatedly in the first half and Gabon goalkeeper Mbaba forced into brilliant saves. A VAR check on the hour for a potential Gabon penalty was dismissed after a lengthy review, adding to the tension of the closely contested tie.
Coach Eric Chelle’s side, who only reached the play-offs thanks to a late goal against Benin last month, fielded Wilfred Ndidi as captain, with regular skipper William Troost-Ekong starting on the bench. Young defender Benjamin Fredrick impressed throughout, helping to keep Gabon’s top forwards Denis Bouanga and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang largely quiet.
The win extends Chelle’s unbeaten run since taking charge in January and pushes Nigeria one step closer to securing one of the two African spots in the six-team intercontinental play-offs next March.
Nigeria will face the Democratic Republic of Congo, who defeated Cameroon 1–0, in Sunday’s final, with a place in the next phase of World Cup qualifying on the line.
