Nigeria Storms into World Cup Playoffs Final with 4-1 Win Over Gabon

Nigeria secured a thrilling 4-1 victory over Gabon in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African Playoffs semifinal after extra time at Morocco’s Moulay Al Hassan Stadium on Thursday, booking their spot in the African Playoffs final on Sunday. The winner of the final will advance to the inter-confederation playoffs in Mexico in March 2026.

Gabon’s hopes of reaching the World Cup for the first time ended, and the Panthers will now focus on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.

The Super Eagles dominated possession throughout, with Wilfred Ndidi controlling the midfield. Victor Osimhen had early chances in the first half, including a header saved by Gabon’s goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba, but Nigeria went into halftime scoreless despite their dominance.

A late strike from Akor Adams in the 78th minute seemed to hand Nigeria the win, but Mario Lemina equalized for Gabon in the 89th minute, sending the match into extra time.

Extra time belonged to Nigeria, as Chidera Ejuke opened his international account in the 97th minute, followed by Osimhen scoring his 30th international goal in the 102nd minute. Osimhen netted again in the 110th minute, surpassing the 30-goal mark and edging closer to Rashidi Yekini’s national record of 37 goals.

Final Score: Nigeria 4 (Adams 78', Ejuke 97', Osimhen 102', 110') – Gabon 1 (Lemina 89')

Lineups:

Nigeria: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Frederick, Bassey, Sanusi; Chukwueze (Ejuke 60'), Iwobi, Ndidi, Lookman (Simon 60'); Adams (Onyeka 83'), Osimhen

Gabon: Mbaba; A. Oyono, Appindangoye, Ecuele Manga; Openda (Meyo Ngoua 76', Moussounda 100'), Ndong (Eze 84'), Poko (N. Lemina 76', J Oyono 100'), M. Lemina, Ekomie; Bouanga, Aubameyang

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