The Super Eagles have booked their place in the final of the African playoffs for the 2026 World Cup after a thrilling 4-1 victory over Gabon in Rabat on Thursday.
Victor Osimhen led the charge with a brilliant brace, while Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams added a goal each as Nigeria found their rhythm late into extra time at the Moulay Hassan Stadium.
The win moves Osimhen closer to Rashidi Yekini’s long-standing record as Nigeria’s all-time top scorer, with the Napoli forward now on 31 goals—just six behind Yekini’s 37.
Despite a disrupted buildup marked by players’ protests over unpaid allowances, the Eagles maintained focus once the whistle blew. Osimhen had several chances early in the game but was denied by Gabon’s impressive goalkeeper, Loyce Mbaba.
Nigeria finally broke the deadlock in the 78th minute when Akor Adams capitalized on a defensive error to slot home his second goal for the national team. However, Gabon equalized through Mario Lemina in the 89th minute, forcing the game into extra time.
In the extra period, Nigeria’s attacking prowess came alive. Ejuke netted his first goal for the Eagles, before Osimhen’s double sealed a comfortable victory for the three-time African champions.
The Super Eagles will now face either Congo DR or Cameroon in Sunday’s final of the African playoffs. The winner will claim Africa’s sole ticket to the intercontinental playoff for the 2026 World Cup.
