Nigeria Advance to Final Round of 2026 World Cup Playoffs After 4–1 Victory Over Gabon

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have qualified for the final round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoffs after a convincing 4–1 triumph over Gabon in Rabat, Morocco, on Thursday night.

In a fiercely contested encounter, Nigeria were made to work hard against a resilient Gabonese side before late goals from Chidera Ejuke and Victor Osimhen sealed a comprehensive win in extra time.

Nigeria Battle Past Gabon in Dramatic Encounter

The Super Eagles appeared to be heading for victory when Akor Adams broke the deadlock in the 78th minute, capitalising on a poor back pass from a Gabon defender to calmly slot the ball past the goalkeeper.

However, Gabon fought back and levelled the score in the 88th minute following a defensive lapse from the Nigerian backline.

The match grew increasingly tense in extra time when Victor Osimhen squandered a golden opportunity to restore Nigeria’s lead, firing wide from close range in the 101st minute after being played through on goal.

That miss seemed costly as the match looked destined for penalties — until Nigeria found another gear in extra time.

Ejuke and Osimhen Seal Qualification in Style

Seven minutes into extra time, substitute Chidera Ejuke put Nigeria back in front, latching onto a clever pass from Wilfred Ndidi before finishing superbly.

The Super Eagles maintained their momentum, and just moments later, Victor Osimhen made it 3–1 in the 102nd minute with a clinical strike after skilfully dribbling past two Gabon defenders.

The 2023 African Footballer of the Year then doubled his tally later in the second half of extra time, producing another fine finish to complete a 4–1 rout.

Nigeria to Face Cameroon or DR Congo Next

The result sees Nigeria progress to the final playoff round, where they will face the winner of the tie between Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The emphatic victory also provides a significant morale boost for the Super Eagles, who had earlier in the week been embroiled in a brief training standoff over unpaid allowances.