The Super Eagles booked their place in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoffs after defeating Gabon 4-1 in extra time on Thursday, powered by a Victor Osimhen brace and goals from Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke.
The win sends Nigeria into Sunday’s decisive playoff final, where they will meet the winner between Cameroon and DR Congo.
Nigeria dominated early proceedings, with Osimhen and Adams repeatedly threatening the Gabonese defence. Osimhen missed several close chances in the opening 25 minutes, while Adams was denied in a one-on-one situation after a defensive error inside the Gabon box.
Gabon nearly punished a mistake from goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali in the 14th minute, but the effort drifted wide. The Super Eagles continued to press, forcing the Gabonese goalkeeper into multiple saves before halftime.
In the 78th minute, Adams capitalised on a loose pass, rounded the goalkeeper and calmly rolled the ball into the net to give Nigeria a deserved lead.
However, Gabon struck back late through Mario Lemina, whose deflected shot beat Nwabali in the 89th minute to force extra time.
Seven minutes into extra time, Ejuke restored Nigeria’s advantage, slotting home after being picked out by Wilfred Ndidi.
Osimhen then took control of the match, firing in Nigeria’s third in the 102nd minute after receiving a precise pass from Fredericks. He later made it 4-1 with a powerful finish after controlling a long ball from Chidozie Awaziem.
Nwabali was called into action late on to preserve the lead, making a sharp save before Awaziem cleared the rebound. The Super Eagles now look ahead to Sunday’s final playoff tie as they push toward securing a spot at the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup.
