Nigeria’s Super Eagles dramatically secured a 4-1 extra-time victory over Gabon on Thursday, November 13, 2025, in Rabat, Morocco, advancing to the African playoff final on the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The win marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s World Cup quest, propelled by a crucial brace from striker Victor Osimhen and key goals from Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke.
The tightly contested match remained deadlocked for much of regulation time. Nigeria broke through in the 78th minute when Akor Adams capitalised on a Gabonese defensive error, rounding the goalkeeper to open the scoring. Yet Gabon’s resilience shone through as Mario Lemina levelled the score in the 86th minute with a deflected shot, forcing the game into an additional 30 minutes of play.
In extra time, the Super Eagles asserted control. Substitute Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s lead just eight minutes into extra time with a powerful finish. Osimhen then sealed the emphatic win with goals in the 102nd and 110th minutes. This dominant display propelled Nigeria into Sunday’s playoff final, where they will face the victor between Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo for a chance to enter the intercontinental playoffs and edge closer to World Cup qualification.
