Nigeria have booked their place in the final of Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup play-offs following a dramatic 4–1 victory over Gabon after extra time in Rabat on Thursday night.
The Super Eagles sealed the win with goals from Chidera Ejuke and Victor Osimhen during the first period of extra time, after the match had ended 1–1 in regulation time.
Osimhen tore off his face mask and shirt in celebration after scoring, a moment of sheer relief for the Napoli striker, who had earlier missed a golden chance to win it deep into stoppage time.
Ejuke, who plays for Galatasaray, doubled Nigeria’s advantage five minutes into the second half of extra time, grabbing his second of the night to confirm victory for Eric Chelle’s men.
Nigeria appeared poised for a straightforward win when Akor Adams capitalised on a defensive blunder to open the scoring in the 78th minute. But Gabon forced extra time after Mario Lemina’s deflected strike levelled matters in the 89th minute.
The result means Nigeria will face either Cameroon or DR Congo in Sunday’s play-off final, with the winner advancing to a six-team intercontinental qualifier in March to determine the final two spots at next year’s World Cup.
Nigeria, who missed out on Qatar 2022, have endured a turbulent qualifying campaign marked by two managerial changes and off-field disputes.
The team only reached the African play-offs on goal difference, courtesy of a last-minute goal against Benin in their final group match.
Despite boycotting training earlier in the week over unpaid bonuses, the Super Eagles looked sharp in the Moroccan rain.
Adams and Osimhen both went close in the first half, while Gabon’s goalkeeper, Loyce Mbaba, pulled off a pair of fine saves to keep his side in the contest.
Gabon’s best moment came early in the second half when they appealed for a penalty after Bright Osayi-Samuel appeared to tug Aaron Appindangoye’s shirt. However, after a lengthy VAR review, referee Abongile Tom waved play on.
The Panthers’ star forwards, Denis Bouanga and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who had scored 15 goals between them in the group stage, were largely kept quiet by Nigeria’s resolute defence, marshalled impressively by youngster Benjamin Frederick.
Thursday’s win extends Chelle’s unbeaten run since taking charge in January, making him the first non-Nigerian African to manage the Super Eagles.
The Malian coach is now just one match away from guiding the three-time African champions back to the World Cup, and silencing critics of his appointment.
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