2026 World Cup: Nigeria advance to playoff final after dramatic extra-time victory over Gabon
Nigeria’s Super Eagles are through to the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African Playoff Tournament in Morocco after a dramatic 4-1 win over Gabon in their semifinal match.
Following a quiet first half at the Prince Moulay Hassan Sports Complex in Rabat on Thursday, Akor Adam scored what seemed like a winner for Nigeria in the 78th minute when the Sevilla forward capitalised on an error from the Gabonese to put the Eagles ahead.
However, Nigeria was stunned just one minute before normal time when Mario Lemina’s effort was deflected past Stanley Nwabali by Bright Osayi’s leg to grab a sensational equaliser for Gabon.
Nigeria had the chance to score a late winner with virtually the last touch of injury time when Victor Osimehn went one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but the Galatasaray forward fired the ball off the target.
Seven minutes into extra time, Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s lead after the winger slotted home a pass from Wilfred Ndidi before Osimhen proceeded to score two more goals from incredibly tight angles to redeem himself and seal the important win for the West African team.
Nigeria will face the winner of the second semifinal tie between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Cameroon in the mini-tournament final on Sunday for the sole ticket to the intercontinental playoffs next year.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Agriculture
FG establishes mega farms in four states
He said NALDA targets establishing mega farm estates across the six geopolitical zones to address challenges affecting agricultural production and create modern farming communities.
World
Russian jailed 13 years for smuggling aircraft parts to Ukraine
The FSB said the man intended to deliver the spare parts to a key enterprise that maintains military aircraft and helicopters for the Ukrainian forces.
![Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi [Photo Credit: Twitter]](https://gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/G_al6PKXIAAfMKN.jpg)
States
Kogi School Abduction: We will never negotiate with criminals, Gov. Ododo says
“Let me reiterate that we will never negotiate with criminals. We will never pay ransom. We will rid Kogi of criminals,” Mr Ododo said.
NationWide
Nigeria, UN, U.S. deepen anti-crime partnership with first national strategy
The national strategy is expected to be officially unveiled on August 17.
World
Chinese President Xi seeks global cooperation to build artificial intelligence governance system
Chinese President Xi Jinping urged nations to build a just and equitable global artificial intelligence governance system.
Anti-Corruption
TD Bank insiders facilitating money laundering, fraud jailed 70 months
During the money-laundering scheme, 1,680 official bank checks were processed at TD Bank, totalling more than $92 million.
