Nigeria reignited their 2026 World Cup qualification hopes with a dominant 4-1 victory over Gabon in the playoff, thrilling fans and boosting morale nationwide.
The Super Eagles, who had been under pressure after a slow start to the qualifiers apart from beating the Cheetahs of Benin Republic 4-0 goals, returned again to winning ways with the best goals from Victor Osimhen.
Galatasaray striker Osimhen scored twice as the Super Eagles sealed an emphatic 4-1 victory over the Panthers of Gabon in extra time to advance to the next playoff stage of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Thursday at Stade Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco.
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After a goalless first half, Akor Adams broke the deadlock early in the second half, capitalising on a player’s error to put Nigeria ahead.
Gabon, however, equalised four minutes before the end of the match, forcing the game into extra time.
Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s lead with a composed finish before Osimhen extended the advantage, netting twice to put the result beyond doubt.
The Super Eagles’ solid defensive display, led by Benjamin Frederick and Calvin Bassey, ensured Gabon’s late efforts came to nothing.
The win moves Nigeria closer to securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the final playoff round set to determine their qualification status.
Nigeria secured a spot among the top runners-up in the African qualifiers, buoyed by a dominant 4-0 win over the Benin Republic that saw Victor Osimhen net a remarkable hat-trick.
Gabon, meanwhile, finished second in Group F behind the Ivory Coast to earn their own playoff place.
Republic of Congo beat Cameroon
Meanwhile, Chancel Mbemba was the hero with the late winner as DR Congo beat Cameroon 1-0 to set up a meeting with Nigeria in the final of African play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Leopards captain ghosted away from his marker to convert Brian Cipenga’s deep corner in the first minute of stoppage time and upset the five-time continental champions.
The Indomitable Lions hold the African record for the most appearances at the World Cup, with eight overall, but will be missing from the expanded 48-team tournament next year.
With just six places separating the sides in the world rankings, the semi-final tie proved to be a cagey affair as heavy rain made conditions difficult in neutral Rabat.
Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana pulled off a fine low save to deny Cedric Bakambu on the hour mark, and five minutes later Bryan Mbeumo shot narrowly wide for the Indomitable Lions.
Mbeumo’s team-mate Karl Etta Eyong was also unable to convert two late chances before Mbemba’s dramatic intervention.
DR Congo, whose sole World Cup appearance came in 1974 when the country was called Zaire, now face a showdown with Nigeria, who beat Gabon 4-1 after extra time earlier on Thursday in the Moroccan capital.
The winners of the continental play-off final will progress to a six-team intercontinental qualifier, which will be held in March and will determine the final two nations at next year’s World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Nigeria will face the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday, November 16, with the victor of that tie advancing to the inter-continental playoff for a chance at a World Cup berth.
