The Super Eagles survived a late twist before unleashing a ruthless extra-time performance to beat Gabon 4–1 in a thrilling CAF World Cup 2026 qualifying playoff semi-final at the Stade Prince Moulay Al Hassan on Thursday night.
The Super Eagles entered the match under heavy scrutiny after boycotting training earlier in the week over unpaid bonuses. But with the dispute resolved 24 hours before kickoff, Eric Chelle’s men delivered a composed, dominant display when it mattered most.
Adams Punishes Gabon After Dominant Nigerian Start
Nigeria controlled possession and created early chances, with Akor Adams drawing a save from goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba inside the opening three minutes.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 78th minute, and it was entirely of Gabon’s making.
Under pressure, centre-back Aaron Appindangoye miscontrolled what should have been a routine back pass. Adams pounced, rounded the keeper, and tapped into an empty net to hand Nigeria a deserved lead.
Chelle’s team looked set for a comfortable finish until chaos struck in the final seconds of regulation time.
Gabon Force Extra Time With Dramatic Equaliser
With the game drifting into stoppage time, Mario Lemina unleashed a hopeful right-footed strike from the left flank. The attempt deflected sharply off Bright Osayi-Samuel, wrong-footing Stanley Nwabali and silencing the Nigerian bench.
That gut punch sent the semi-final into an extra 30 minutes, but from that moment on, Nigeria took complete control.
Super Eagles Unleash Extra-Time Masterclass
In the 98th minute, substitute Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s lead after latching onto a brilliant through pass from Wilfred Ndidi and finishing coolly.
Four minutes later, Victor Osimhen, who had missed earlier chances, smashed home a thunderous strike from Benjamin Frederick’s pass to give Nigeria breathing room.
Osimhen then completed his brace in the second period of extra time, sealing a statement victory and sending the Super Eagles into Sunday’s playoff final.
Nigeria One Win Away From Intercontinental Playoff
Nigeria will now face DR Congo, 1–0 winners against Cameroon, in Sunday’s final.
A victory there would send the Super Eagles into the inter-confederation playoffs in March, the last step toward securing a place at the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Heartbreak for Gabon
For Gabon, the defeat ends what had been a strong campaign.
Unbeaten in their last seven qualifiers, they pushed Nigeria to the brink but collapsed under relentless extra-time pressure.
Veteran forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, possibly playing his final World Cup qualifying series, leaves the stage without the historic breakthrough Panthers fans had hoped for.
