Rabat, Morocco – Victor Osimhen’s clinical double in extra time propelled Nigeria to a commanding 4-1 victory over Gabon in the semi-final of the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday, booking the Super Eagles’ place in the decisive final against either Cameroon or DR Congo.
The match, played at the Moulay Hassan Stadium amid high stakes and neutral ground, unfolded as a gritty battle that spilled into extra time after Gabon clawed back from a deficit to force parity. Nigeria, under the guidance of coach Eric Chelle, overcame early jitters and a controversial pay dispute in camp to deliver a performance laced with resilience and flair, silencing doubters who had questioned their qualifying form.
A Tense Opener Turns Electric
Nigeria struck first in the 78th minute when Lille forward Akor Adams capitalized on a defensive lapse by Gabon’s Aaron Appindangoye, slotting home from close range to send the traveling Nigerian supporters into raptures. The goal, Adams’ first in international football, seemed to have the three-time African champions on the cusp of progression.
But Gabon, buoyed by the presence of Marseille talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, refused to yield. In the 89th minute, Wolves midfielder Mario Lemina unleashed a deflected strike that wrong-footed Stanley Nwabali in the Nigerian goal, leveling the score at 1-1 and igniting wild celebrations among the Panthers’ contingent. The equalizer, a gut punch for the Super Eagles, forced the game into a grueling extra 30 minutes, with referee Issa Sy adding 12 minutes of stoppage time in the first half alone due to VAR interventions and injury stoppages.
Extra-Time Heroics Seal the Deal
The tide turned decisively in Nigeria’s favor during the additional period. At the 97th-minute mark, Sevilla winger Chidera Ejuke produced a moment of magic, weaving through challenges before rifling a composed finish past Anthony Mbaba to restore the lead at 2-1.
Osimhen, the Napoli star and Nigeria’s talismanic forward, then took center stage. Already a handful throughout with his aerial prowess and relentless pressing—contributing to eight goals in the qualifying campaign—he struck twice in quick succession. First, in the 102nd minute, he latched onto a long ball, shrugged off markers, and slotted home to make it 3-1. Moments later, in the 105th, Osimhen sealed the rout with a sublime reverse shot into the far corner after chesting down a lofted pass and evading two defenders, extinguishing any flicker of Gabonese hope.
The final whistle elicited scenes of jubilation from the Nigerian bench, with Osimhen mobbed by teammates as Gabon players, visibly deflated, trudged off the pitch. Aubameyang, who had threatened sporadically but was subdued by Nigeria’s backline led by Calvin Bassey and Jamilu Collins, could only watch as his side’s World Cup dreams faded.
Lineups and Tactical Notes
Nigeria lined up in a pragmatic 4-4-2 formation: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel (Troost-Ekong), Fredrick, Bassey, Sanusi; Chukwueze (Ejuke), Iwobi (Awaziem), Ndidi, Lookman (Simon); Adams (Onyeka), Osimhen. Midfield enforcer Wilfred Ndidi was pivotal in breaking up play, while Alex Iwobi’s tireless running earned him a heartfelt embrace from the staff upon substitution.
Gabon opted for a 4-3-3: Mbaba; Ondele, Oyono, Ecuele, Ekoumie; Openda (Meyo; Moucketou-Moussounda), Lemina, Ndong; Aubameyang, Biyogo, Bouanga. Despite their unbeaten run in seven prior competitive outings, Thierry Mouyouma’s men struggled with cohesion after falling behind, missing key absentees like Jim Allevinah.
Path Forward for the Super Eagles
This triumph, Nigeria’s third victory in five head-to-heads against Gabon, avenges a rare 2018 loss and underscores their historical dominance—boasting wins as emphatic as 3-0 and previous 4-1 margins. The Super Eagles, who narrowly pipped Benin to second in Group C with a 4-0 October romp, now await the victor of Cameroon vs. DR Congo in the other semi-final.
A win in the November 17 final would secure a berth in the six-team inter-confederation playoff in Mexico next March, offering one final shot at the expanded 48-team World Cup. For Osimhen and Co., fresh off resolving a bonus dispute with the Nigeria Football Federation, this result is a timely morale booster ahead of club duties and the continent’s marquee tournament.
As Osimhen told reporters post-match: “This is for the fans who’ve stood by us. We’re not done yet.” With the global stage in sight, Nigeria’s World Cup odyssey presses on with renewed fire.
