Manny Ita
Nigeria has booked its place in the final of the African play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Gabon 4–1 in extra time on Wednesday in Rabat.
The match had ended 1–1 after 90 minutes, before Chidera Ejuke and Victor Osimhen struck in the first period of extra time to put the Super Eagles firmly in control. Osimhen tore off his protective face mask and shirt in celebration of his goal, a moment that appeared to reflect both joy and relief after he had earlier missed what was described as “a glorious chance” to seal the result in the 12th minute of stoppage time.
The Galatasaray forward later secured his second of the night five minutes into the second half of extra time, effectively putting the contest beyond Gabon’s reach.
Nigeria had looked set to win the semi-final tie in regulation time when Akor Adams capitalised on a poor back-pass to give Eric Chelle’s side the lead in the 78th minute. However, Gabon forced extra time after Mario Lemina’s deflected shot found the net in the 89th minute.
The Panthers were eventually undone by Nigeria’s clinical finishing in the additional period.
Nigeria will now face DR Congo in Sunday’s play-off final at 19:00 GMT, after the Leopards edged Cameroon 1-0 in the other semi-final. The winner of the final will advance to a six-team intercontinental qualifier in March, which will decide the remaining two spots for the 2026 World Cup.
