Nigeria moved within one win of the 2026 World Cup on Thursday after defeating Gabon 4-1 in extra time in the African playoffs semi-final in Morocco. A brace from Victor Osimhen and goals from Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams sealed the emphatic victory.
The Super Eagles had earlier taken the lead in the 78th minute through Adams, before Mario Lemina’s late deflected strike dragged the game into extra time. “We showed character when it mattered most,” Osimhen said after the match.
Ejuke restored Nigeria’s advantage seven minutes into extra time with his first goal for the national team. Osimhen then struck twice, atoning for earlier misses to put the result beyond Gabon’s reach.
Nigeria had entered the fixture amid reports of a bonus dispute but showed little sign of distraction. “The boys stayed focused and delivered under pressure,” a team official told reporters.
Nigeria will now meet DR Congo in Sunday’s playoff final after the Leopards sealed a dramatic 1-0 win over Cameroon. Captain Chancel Mbemba scored the decisive goal in the 91st minute, steering in a deep corner to stun the Indomitable Lions.
Both teams struggled to create clear openings in that match, with Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana making a sharp save to deny Cedric Bakambu before Bryan Mbeumo fired narrowly wide.
The late breakthrough means Nigeria will now face DR Congo, with a place in the intercontinental playoffs in Mexico and a chance at the 2026 World Cup on the line.
