Nigeria thrash Gabon 4-1
Super Eagles Crush Gabon 4–1 After Extra Time To Reach World Cup Playoff Final
The Super Eagles of Nigeria stormed into the final of the African play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating the Panthers of Gabon 4–1 in an extra-time thriller on Thursday night at the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan in Rabat, Morocco.
Nigeria took the lead in the 78th minute through Akor Adams, who capitalised on a defensive blunder to put the Eagles ahead. However, Gabon fought back and levelled the score in the 89th minute when Mario Lemina slotted home from close range, forcing the match into extra time.
The added period belonged entirely to the Super Eagles. Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s lead early in extra time before Victor Osimhen struck twice to seal a dominant 4–1 victory and send Nigeria through to the final round of qualifiers.
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The result capped a dramatic night for the three-time African champions, who had earlier resolved a bonus dispute before the game. Head coach Éric Sékou Chelle praised his players’ resilience and focus, noting that “the team showed character and hunger when it mattered most.”
The win moves Nigeria one step closer to the World Cup, with the Eagles set to face the winner of the Cameroon–DR Congo clash in the final play-off round scheduled for March 2026.
Despite the heavy defeat, Gabon’s late fightback in regulation time drew praise from neutrals, though their defence crumbled under Nigeria’s relentless pressure in extra time.
For Nigeria, Osimhen’s brace and Ejuke’s creative spark provided a reminder of the team’s attacking depth — and their determination to reclaim a place among the world’s football elite.
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