In a pulse-pounding showdown in Rabat, the Super Eagles of Nigeria overcame Gabon 4–1 in extra time to book their place in the African play-off final for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It was a full display of resilience, flair, and timely finishing — the kind of performance that reignites a nation’s World Cup dreams.
A Match That Refused to Be Ordinary
From the first whistle, Nigeria dominated possession, with Wilfred Ndidi pulling the strings in midfield and Victor Osimhen leading the line with his usual menace. Despite several promising chances in the first half — including a header from Osimhen that went just wide — the Super Eagles couldn’t find the breakthrough.
As the clock ticked past 75 minutes, a defensive error from Gabon finally handed Nigeria the opening. Akor Adams pounced on a wayward back-pass, rounded the keeper, and tucked it away for a 1–0 lead in the 78th minute.
But just when it seemed Nigeria might coast to victory, Gabon struck back in dramatic fashion in the dying moments of regular time. Mario Lemina’s deflected effort in the 89th minute leveled the score, silencing the Super Eagles’ cheers and sending the match into extra time.
Extra Time Brilliance: Nigerians Step Up
It was in the additional 30 minutes that Nigeria’s true character shone. Just eight minutes into extra time, Chidera Ejuke latched onto a perfectly timed through ball from Ndidi and calmly slotted home to restore the lead.
But the night belonged to Victor Osimhen. The talismanic forward, who had earlier squandered a golden opportunity, atoned in style. In the 102nd minute, he finished clinically to make it 3–1, before crushing any hopes of a Gabonese comeback with a second goal in the 110th minute.
