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.
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