The Super Eagles of Nigeria produced a stirring extra-time performance to defeat Gabon’s Panthers 4–1 on Thursday evening in Rabat, reigniting their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes after a dramatic semi-final clash that swung from frustration to triumph.
It was a tense night at the Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan, where Adams Akor, Chidera Ejuke, and Victor Osimhen all found the net in a match that demanded nerve, resilience, and the famed Nigerian fighting spirit.
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A tense start under Rabat rain
The game began under light rain, mirroring the uncertainty that had surrounded Nigeria’s preparations after a turbulent week.
The Super Eagles had boycotted training earlier in the week over unpaid allowances, but by kickoff, all focus was on redemption.
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Head coach Eric Chelle made two key adjustments from the side that defeated Benin Republic — Bright Osayi-Samuel replaced the suspended Semi Ajayi, while Ademola Lookman started ahead of Moses Simon.
The opening half saw Nigeria dominate possession and create several clear-cut chances, but Gabon goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba was in inspired form, denying Osimhen twice and pushing away headers from Akor and Iwobi.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi, leading the side in the absence of William Troost-Ekong, marshalled the midfield with composure even after picking up an early yellow card.
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Gabon’s danger man, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, remained quiet for most of the first half, but his clever movement occasionally tested the Nigerian backline.
Despite heavy rain and six minutes of added time, both teams went into the break goalless after an evenly contested first period.
Adams Akor breaks the deadlock
The second half began with more urgency from both sides. The Super Eagles pressed higher, while Gabon’s midfield trio of Mario Lemina, Didier Ndong, and Guélor Kanga sought to wrest control.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 78th minute when Adams Akor, who plays for Sevilla, broke free inside the box to smash home a low drive past Mbaba. It was a goal that brought relief and belief to the Nigerian bench.
But the joy was short-lived. Eleven minutes later, Gabon hit back through Mario Lemina, who capitalised on a defensive lapse to fire past Stanley Nwabali, sending the contest into extra time after a nervy 1–1 finish in regulation.
Ejuke and Osimhen deliver in extra time
The extra-time period belonged entirely to Nigeria. Substitute Chidera Ejuke, also of Sevilla, restored Nigeria’s lead with a well-taken finish in the 97th minute after a flowing counterattack and a decisive pass from Ndidi.
Then came the moment of the night — Victor Osimhen, who had been frustrated for much of the game, finally found his scoring touch. In the 102nd minute, he latched onto a through ball, shrugged off his marker, and blasted home to make it 3–1, before adding a second late on to complete the rout.
Osimhen’s brace not only sealed the victory but reaffirmed the Galatasaray striker’s stature as Africa’s most lethal striker. His exuberant celebration earned him a yellow card, but by then, the job was done — Nigeria had conquered Gabon 4–1 after extra time.
READ ALSO: Nigeria vs Gabon LIVE UPDATES: Super Eagles chase World Cup redemption in Rabat
Eyes now on the final and beyond
The victory sends the Super Eagles into Sunday’s playoff final, where they will face the winner of the other semi-final between Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The winner of that match will advance to the Intercontinental Playoffs, a final hurdle before securing a ticket to the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
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