Super Eagles’ talisman, Victor Osimhen, yesterday, scored two goals to lead Nigeria to a 4-1 defeat of Gabon in the opening game of the 2026 World Cup African playoff.

Against a plucky Gabonese side led by former Arsenal captain, Pierre Aubameyang, the hitherto lethal Osimhen was wasteful in the game, which ended 1-1 in the regular period before three goals in the added time resolved matters.

After a goalless first half, Super Eagles’ new goal sensation, Akor Adams, opened scores in the 75th minute, but the Panthers replied with in the 89th minute to put the game on edge. What would have decided the match in Nigeria’s favour was inexplicably wasted by Osimhen when he came face to face with Gabonese goalkeeper in the closing minutes of normal period.

Chidera Ejuke and Osimhen, however, struck in the first period of added time to put the Eagles one foot into November 16’s final game of the African playoff.

Osimhen grabbed his second goal of the evening five minutes after the extra-time break to make sure of victory.

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.

Even though players and technical staff boycotted training on Tuesday over unpaid allowances and match bonuses, they rallied back to ensure victory. 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 the Panthers during the group stage but rarely had a sight at goal as 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 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.