Nigeria booked their place in the African play-off final for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by overturning Gabon 4-1 in a gripping encounter decided beyond regulation time in Rabat.
The contest remained level at 1-1 after ninety minutes, forcing another half-hour in which the Super Eagles took full control. Chidera Ejuke broke the deadlock shortly after extra time began, before Victor Osimhen added a second moments later.
The forward ripped off both his mask and shirt in celebration, partly releasing the frustration from missing a clear chance deep into stoppage time of the second half.
Super Eagles seize command
Osimhen delivered again soon after the interval in extra time, striking his second goal of the night to widen the gap. Earlier, Nigeria had appeared set to wrap up victory before the whistle when Akor Adams punished a defensive lapse to put his team ahead in the 78th minute.
Gabon, however, forced extra time when Mario Lemina’s deflected effort found the net one minute from full time.
The Panthers ultimately struggled to match Nigeria’s sharp finishing as fatigue and pressure mounted.
A campaign marked by turmoil
Nigeria will meet DR Congo in Sunday’s final after the Leopards edged Cameroon with a narrow 1-0 win.
The winner of that clash will proceed to the six-team intercontinental play-off in March, where the last two spots for the expanded World Cup will be decided.
Nigeria’s road to this stage has been turbulent, featuring two managerial changes and a tense qualification round that was only settled by a last-gasp goal against Benin.
Preparation for this semi-final was also disrupted when players and staff refused to train earlier in the week over unpaid allowances and bonuses.
Resolute performance in Rabat
Despite the off-field standoff, Nigeria played assertively in steady rainfall, with early chances falling to Adams and Osimhen.
Gabon’s keeper Loyce Mbaba kept his team in contention with two sharp saves, while the Panthers attempted to strike on counterattacks.
A prolonged penalty review early in the second half ended with no award despite Gabon’s protests over a shirt pull involving Bright Osayi-Samuel.
Young defender Benjamin Fredrick impressed for Nigeria by limiting the influence of Gabon’s prolific attackers Denis Bouanga and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Chelle strengthens his position
The triumph extends Eric Chelle’s unbeaten run since becoming the first African coach from outside Nigeria to lead the Super Eagles. The Malian has revived a shaky qualification effort and now stands one match away from returning Nigeria to the global stage.
This latest success will help silence doubts from critics who questioned his appointment at the start of the year.