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Nigeria’s Super Eagles have secured their spot in the finals of the African playoffs for the 2026 World Cup. The team defeated Gabon 4-1 in the semi-final of the mini-tournament at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat on Thursday.
Victor Osimhen netted two goals, while Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams each scored as Nigeria displayed their finest form late in extra time.
This brace brought Osimhen’s total with the Eagles to 31, making him just six goals shy of Rashidi Yekini, Nigeria’s leading all-time scorer.
Nigeria’s preparations for the match were overshadowed by controversies, including players boycotting a training session to protest unpaid allowances. Despite the off-field troubles, the team had little difficulty against the Panthers on the field.
Osimhen had three tremendous opportunities within the first half-hour: one powerful header was deflected by Gabonese goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba; another went wide; and he surprisingly missed yet another chance.
Akor Adam, who played alongside Osimhen in the attack, also had an early attempt that the effective Mbaba saved.
The Gabonese goalkeeper appeared unbeatable until the 78th minute, when a loose pass found Akor, who sprinted past Mbaba and slotted the ball into an empty net. This goal marked Akor’s second for Nigeria, and the team seemed poised to advance to the final.
However, Mario Lemina equalised for Gabon in the 89th minute, forcing the match into extra time. In the next 30 minutes, Nigeria scored three goals against the once-impenetrable Gabon defence.
Chidera Ejuke scored his inaugural goal for the Eagles, followed by Osimhen’s brace that sealed the match.
Nigeria will now face either Congo DR or Cameroon in the African playoffs final on Sunday. The winners will earn the single spot to represent Africa in the intercontinental playoff.
