Nigeria’s Super Eagles moved one step closer to a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a 4-1 extra-time victory over Gabon National Football Team at the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan in Morocco. Victor Osimhen was the standout performer, scoring twice in extra time to secure the win.
The match remained goalless for much of regulation time, before Sevilla forward Akor Adams broke the deadlock in the 78th minute thanks to a defensive error from the Gabon side. But as the Super Eagles appeared to be coasting to victory, Gabon’s Mario Lemina struck an equaliser in the 89th minute to force the tie into extra time.
In the extra period, Nigeria turned on the style. Chidera Ejuke restored the lead just two minutes into extra time with a precise finish. Then Osimhen grabbed his first of the night in the 102nd minute and sealed the result in the 110th with a composed strike.
The result places Nigeria in the final round of the CAF World Cup play-offs, where they will face the winner of the semi-final between Cameroon National Football Team and DR Congo National Football Team, with a chance to progress to the inter-confederation playoffs next March.
The victory felt even more significant given recent turbulence within the squad. Just days before the match, the players’ bonus dispute with the Nigeria Football Federation dated from unpaid sums threatened to derail preparations — but captain William Troost‑Ekong confirmed on social media that the squad had resolved the stand-off and were focused on the game.
Osimhen’s extra-time heroics drew praise from fans and pundits alike. With this brace, the forward reinforced his status as one of Africa’s top striking talents and boosted Nigeria’s hopes of returning to the global stage after missing the 2022 World Cup.
Next up, Nigeria will look to carry this momentum into the final play-off while addressing questions about controlling matches before extra time. Gabon, meanwhile, exited disappointed but with a reminder that the Super Eagles are far from invincible in tightly contested knockout fixtures.
