Victor Osimhen delivered a brilliant performance as the Super Eagles defeated Gabon 4-1 after extra time to secure a place in the final playoff round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Thursday at Stade Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco.
Following a tense, goalless first half, Akor Adams broke the deadlock early in the second half, capitalising on a defensive lapse to put Nigeria ahead. Gabon, however, struck back four minutes from time to force the encounter into extra time.
Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s lead with a calm finish before Osimhen took control, scoring twice to seal a commanding victory. The defensive pairing of Benjamin Frederick and Calvin Bassey stood firm, snuffing out Gabon’s late pressure.
The win further boosts Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions, coming on the back of a dominant 4-0 victory over Benin Republic—a match in which Osimhen netted a memorable hat-trick to help Nigeria finish among the top runners-up in the African qualifiers.
Gabon, who finished second behind Ivory Coast in Group F to earn their playoff spot, ultimately had no answer to Nigeria’s quality in extra time.
The Super Eagles will now face either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo on November 16, with the winner advancing to the inter-continental playoff for a place at the 2026 World Cup.
