Nigeria kept their 2026 Fifa World Cup dream alive with a sensational 4-1 extra-time victory over Gabon in Rabat, securing a place in the African play-off final after a night of high drama, missed chances and unforgettable celebrations.
The Super Eagles were forced into extra time after a tense 1-1 draw in regulation, but they exploded into life in added time. Chidera Ejuke fired Nigeria ahead before Victor Osimhen — who had earlier missed a stoppage-time sitter — redeemed himself in emphatic style with a powerful finish. The Napoli striker tore off his mask and shirt in a moment of pure relief and passion.
Five minutes into the second period of extra time, Osimhen struck again, sealing the win and sending Nigeria one step closer to a World Cup return after missing Qatar 2022.
Nigeria had initially taken the lead in the 78th minute when Akor Adams capitalised on a defensive blunder. But Gabon hit back late, with Mario Lemina’s deflected shot in the 89th minute forcing extra time. The Panthers, who struggled to create clear chances despite the presence of stars like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Denis Bouanga, were ultimately undone by Nigeria’s clinical finishing.
The victory sets up a huge final clash against DR Congo, who earlier stunned Cameroon 1-0. The winner will join a six-team intercontinental qualifier in March, where the last two World Cup slots will be decided.
For Nigeria, the win marks another chapter in a turbulent but resilient qualification journey that has seen last-minute escapes, managerial changes, unpaid bonuses and player protests. Yet the Super Eagles delivered a composed, dominant performance despite the chaos off the pitch.
New coach Eric Chelle, unbeaten since his appointment and the first non-Nigerian African to lead the team, is now just one match away from guiding the three-time African champions to the expanded 48-team World Cup and proving his critics wrong.
Nigeria’s dream is alive, and the final hurdle awaits.
Leave a comment