Nigeria Advances to 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Play-offs
Nigeria has advanced to the final of the African play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a dramatic 4-1 victory over Gabon after extra time.
Chidera Ejuke and Victor Osimhen scored in the first period of added time after the match in Rabat concluded 1-1 after 90 minutes.
Osimhen celebrated his goal with exuberance, removing his protective face mask and shirt, a moment of relief after he had missed a golden opportunity to secure a win for the Super Eagles in the 12th minute of stoppage time.
The Galatasaray forward netted his second goal just five minutes into the extra-time break, sealing the victory for Nigeria.
Throughout the semi-final tie, Nigeria appeared to dominate. They took the lead in the 78th minute when Akor Adams capitalized on a poor back pass.
However, Gabon equalized in the 89th minute with a deflected shot from Mario Lemina, pushing the match into extra time, where Nigeria's clinical finishing ultimately proved decisive.
Nigeria will face either Cameroon or DR Congo in the Africa play-off final on Sunday at 19:00 GMT. The winner of that match will advance to a six-team intercontinental qualifier in March, determining the final two spots for next year's World Cup.
Super Eagles Take a Step Closer
After missing out on the Qatar 2022 World Cup, Nigeria's journey back to the finals has been marked by numerous challenges, including two managerial changes over the past two years.
The Super Eagles qualified for the African play-offs on goal difference, aided by a last-minute goal against Benin in their final group stage match. Recently, players and technical staff had boycotted training due to unpaid allowances and match bonuses.
Despite these off-field issues, the team showed remarkable resilience, taking the initiative against Gabon amidst persistent rain in the Moroccan capital.
Early in the match, Adams was denied a goal, and Osimhen missed a header from close range before Gabon’s goalkeeper, Loyce Mbaba, made two outstanding saves.
The Panthers attempted to counter-attack, but a significant moment occurred early in the second half when they appealed for a penalty for a shirt pull by Bright Osayi-Samuel on Aaron Appindangoye. Referee Abongile Tom reviewed the incident for over three minutes with the Video Assistant Referee, ultimately deciding against awarding the penalty.
Despite their star forwards, Denis Bouanga and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, scoring 15 goals during the group stage, Gabon struggled to create chances, as Benjamin Frederick excelled at the heart of Nigeria's defense.
This victory extends the unbeaten streak of Eric Chelle, who has been at the helm of the Super Eagles since January, becoming the first non-Nigerian African coach to lead the team. He is now one step closer to guiding the three-time continental champions to the expanded 48-team World Cup, gradually winning over skeptics of his appointment.