Nigeria advanced to the final of African play-offs for the 2026 Fifa World Cup following a dramatic 4-1 win over Gabon after extra time.
Chidera Ejuke and Victor Osimhen struck in the first period of added time after the match in Rabat had ended 1-1 after 90 minutes.
Osimhen ripped off his protective face mask and shirt to celebrate his goal – no doubt partly in relief after the striker had squandered a glorious chance to win it for the Super Eagles in the 12th minute stoppage time at the end of the game.
The Galatasaray man grabbed his second goal of the evening five minutes into the second half of extra time to make sure of victory.
Nigeria, who enjoyed the better of the semi-final tie, had seemed on course to win in regulation time after Akor Adams pounced on a poor back-pass to give Eric Chelle’s side the lead in the 78th minute.
But Gabon levelled in the 89th minute through Mario Lemina’s deflected shot to send the game to extra time, before the Panthers were eventually undone by clinical finishing from their West African rivals.
Nigeria will face either Cameroon or DR Congo in Africa’s play-off final on Sunday (19:00 GMT).
The winners of that match will then progress to a six-team intercontinental qualifier, which will be held in March and will determine the final two qualifiers for next year’s World Cup.
Super Eagles move a step closer
Nigeria missed out on Qatar 2022 and their bid to return to the finals has seen numerous twists and turns over the course of a two-year campaign, including two changes of manager.
The Super Eagles only qualified for the African play-offs on goal difference after a 91st-minute strike in their final group game against Benin, and players and technical staff boycotted training on Tuesday over unpaid allowances and match bonuses.
Yet the side showed no ill effects from that dispute as they took the game to Gabon in persistent rain in the Moroccan capital.
Adams was denied early on and Osimhen headed wide from nine yards before Gabon goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba made two brilliant reflex saves.
The Panthers looked to play on the counter-attack, but one major flashpoint came early in the second half when they claimed a penalty for a shirt pull by Bright Osayi-Samuel on Aaron Appindangoye.
Yet, after referee Abongile Tom spent over three minutes studying his pitch-side monitor and in conversation with Video Assistant Referee Akhona Makalima, the appeals were turned down.
Denis Bouanga and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had scored 15 goals between them for Gabon during the group stage but rarely had a sight at goal as 20-year-old Benjamin Frederick impressed at the heart of the Nigeria defence.
The result extends Chelle’s unbeaten start since he became the first non-Nigerian African to take charge of the Super Eagles in January.
The Malian, who has revived a faltering qualification campaign, is now one game closer to leading the three-time continental champions to the expanded 48-team World Cup, and winning over those who questioned his appointment.
