Nigeria’s Super Eagles moved a step closer to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Gabon 4–1 in extra time, thanks to a brilliant brace from striker Victor Osimhen.
The result books Nigeria a place in Sunday’s African play-off final.
It was a dramatic night in Lagos as Akor Adams opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 78th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to round the Gabonese goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba and slot home.
But the joy was short-lived, Mario Lemina equalized for Gabon just before full time, his deflected effort sneaking past Stanley Nwabali to make it 1–1 and force extra time.
The Super Eagles, however, found another gear in the additional 30 minutes.
Substitute Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s lead in the 97th minute, smashing in his first international goal after a slick team move.
Osimhen, who had earlier missed a golden opportunity to win it in regulation time, made amends spectacularly.
In the 102nd minute, he fired across Mbaba into the far corner after a clever assist from Benjamin Fredrick, and then struck again eight minutes later, controlling a long ball before calmly finishing to complete his brace.
Nigeria’s emphatic win means they will face Cameroon or DR Congo, who meet later on Thursday, in the final round of the African play-offs.
The winners will advance to next March’s six-nation intercontinental play-offs, with two final World Cup spots on the line.
Head coach Finidi George surprised fans by naming Wilfred Ndidi captain for the match, leaving regular skipper William Troost-Ekong on the bench.
Brentford’s Frank Onyeka also featured as a substitute, having scored the decisive goal in Nigeria’s 4–0 victory over Benin last month, a result that secured their passage to the play-offs.
Osimhen was lively throughout the first half, coming close on three occasions and having a penalty appeal waved away after a VAR review.
Gabon also had a shout for a spot-kick denied when Bright Osayi-Samuel appeared to tug Aaron Appindangoye’s shirt, but referee Abongile Tom ruled no foul after consulting VAR.
Nigeria’s patience finally paid off before Gabon’s late leveller forced extra time, but the Super Eagles’ superior fitness and firepower shone through in the end.
The victory keeps alive Nigeria’s dream of appearing at their seventh FIFA World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026.
