2026 FIFA World Cup Playoffs: Super Eagles Overpower Gabon 4–1 After Extra Time

Posted : 14 November 2025

Nigeria overcame a series of challenges to book their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Playoff Final, delivering a masterful extra-time performance that sealed a 4–1 victory over Gabon on Thursday in Rabat, Morocco’s administrative capital.

For much of the first semifinal, it lived up to its billing as the “Rumble in Rabat.” But the three-time African champions—seeking their seventh World Cup appearance—took full control in extra time, ensuring Gabon will have to wait at least another four years for their first-ever World Cup qualification.

Both teams stepped onto the pristine turf of the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay El Hassan with fierce determination. Nigeria created two early chances within the opening four minutes: stand-in captain Wilfred Ndidi sent a free-kick just over the bar, while Akor Adams saw his effort inside the box fail to trouble goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba.

In the 11th minute, Alex Iwobi, earning his 90th cap, watched his shot rise just too high. Four minutes later, Mbaba and his defenders smothered another Nigerian attack led by Bright Osayi-Samuel.

Victor Osimhen came agonisingly close three times within five minutes. The Napoli striker even thought he had given Nigeria the lead when the referee consulted VAR to determine if his header had crossed the line—but no goal was awarded.

The intensity grew in the second half as the Panthers adopted a more aggressive approach, and the match swung back and forth. Referee Tom Abongile paused play to review a potential penalty against Nigeria, but ultimately waved it off.

Nigeria finally broke the deadlock in the 78th minute when Adams intercepted a poor back pass from Aaron Ondele, calmly rounded Mbaba, and slotted into an empty net.

However, Gabon struck back just before the end of regulation time. Mario Lemina pounced on a headed ball from Osayi-Samuel and fired past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali with a powerful effort to level the match at 1–1 in the 89th minute.

Osimhen had a golden opportunity deep into stoppage time after a pass from Moses Simon, but his shot drifted just wide of the goal.

Instead of losing momentum, Nigeria emerged even stronger in extra time. Seven minutes into the first period, Ndidi drove forward through midfield and found Chidera Ejuke, who coolly slotted the ball past Mbaba to restore Nigeria’s lead.

Just two minutes later, the match was effectively over as a contest. Defender Benjamin Fredericks surged forward and delivered a precise pass for Osimhen, who scored his 30th goal for Nigeria in his 45th appearance.

Five minutes into the second half of extra time, Osimhen produced a moment of brilliance—chesting down a floated ball, dribbling past two defenders, and finishing with composure to make it 4–1. The 2023 African Player of the Year’s strike was his 31st in 45 senior matches, leaving him just six goals behind Nigeria’s all-time top scorer, the legendary Rashidi Yekini.

Ndidi almost added a fifth late on, unleashing a fierce shot that Mbaba managed to push around the post.

The Super Eagles will now face the winner of the second semifinal between Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo in Sunday’s final at the same venue.

NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau praised the team’s performance, saying:
“We are happy with the result. The players rose stoutly to the occasion and made Nigeria proud with a solid performance. No doubt, they have the grit, guts, and winning mentality to conquer whoever emerges as their opponent in Sunday’s final.”

2026 FIFA World Cup Playoffs: Super Eagles Overpower Gabon 4–1 After Extra Time

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