Nigeria moved within touching distance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after beating Gabon 4–1 in extra time on Thursday in Rabat. The Super Eagles survived an 89th-minute shock before unleashing a dominant additional period to reach Sunday’s playoff final against DR Congo.
The match began with early intent from Nigeria, who controlled possession, dictated tempo, and forced Gabon into deep defensive zones. Victor Osimhen had the first major opening, heading narrowly wide before drawing a sharp save from Loyce Marcus Mbaba. Another near miss followed when a deflection almost turned into an own goal, but the Gabonese goalkeeper reacted brilliantly to push it away.
Despite Nigeria’s control, the breakthrough refused to arrive. The tension grew in the stands as every missed chance seemed to edge Gabon closer to confidence. Eric Chelle’s side kept probing, yet Gabon defended in numbers and waited for loose balls to counter. A Wilfred Ndidi through-ball in stoppage time nearly settled the contest in regulation, but Osimhen lifted his effort over in a moment that could have sealed the tie.
🟧 Why This Result Matters
- Nigeria regains national momentum after a turbulent week.
- Chelle’s tactical identity is clearer: vertical pressure, late domination, depth use.
- Osimhen reasserts his leadership after recent scrutiny.
- The DR Congo final becomes the defining match of this generation.
The opening goal finally came in the 78th minute through Akor Adams. The Sevilla forward showed sharp instincts, capitalising on a defensive mix-up to round Mbaba and roll the ball into an empty net. Relief surged through the Nigerian bench and supporters, yet the job was far from done.
Gabon stunned the Eagles eleven minutes later. Mario Lemina’s low strike took a wicked deflection, wrong-footing Stanley Nwabili and dragging the Panthers level. The equaliser forced extra time, and the shift in momentum gave Gabon brief hope of a dramatic upset.
Extra time belonged entirely to Nigeria. Chidera Ejuke restored the lead in the 98th minute, smashing home after Ndidi split the back line with another incisive forward pass. The goal ignited the team, and from that moment, the match tilted decisively toward Chelle’s men.
Osimhen stepped forward to finish the job. The Napoli striker made it 3–1 in the 102nd minute with a predatory finish from close range, finally converting the pressure he had exerted all night. He added another eight minutes later, powering through a tiring defence to curl home the clincher and underline Nigeria’s superiority.
The 4–1 scoreline reflected Nigeria’s depth and intensity, especially after a difficult week marked by a temporary training boycott over unpaid bonuses. The team had returned to full training only 24 hours before kickoff, yet delivered their most complete performance of the qualifiers so far.
🟩 IMPACT SNAPSHOTS
- Osimhen delivers under pressure: Two extra-time goals shift tournament narrative.
- Ndidi suspended: Major tactical recalibration required for Sunday.
- Bench strength proves decisive: Ejuke changes the match; Adams impactful.
- Mental resilience: Team showed maturity after late Gabon equaliser.
Nigeria will return to the Stade Prince Héritier Moulay Hassan on Sunday for the decisive playoff final. A win over DR Congo will send the Super Eagles to March’s six-team Inter-Continental Play-Off Tournament, where two tickets to the 2026 World Cup will be contested.
For the players, the message is clear. A seventh World Cup appearance is within reach—but only if they repeat the discipline shown in extra time
Who Gains, Who Loses
Nigeria’s progression boosts commercial interest ahead of the DR Congo showdown. Brands, ticketing partners, content sponsors, and broadcasters now anticipate peak audience numbers. Victory on Sunday unlocks higher-value sponsorship slots for the Inter-Continental Play-Off cycle and strengthens the Super Eagles’ global visibility.
