Nigeria survived a late scare and produced a dramatic extra-time blitz to dismantle Gabon 4-1 in a gripping CAF World Cup 2026 qualifying playoff semi-final at Stade Prince Moulay Al Hassan on Thursday evening.
The match kicked off against a backdrop of turmoil, as Super Eagles players boycotted the training just days earlier over unpaid bonuses and allowances.
However, an agreement with the NFF a day before the game cleared the air, allowing Eric Chelle’s side to channel their focus into a dominant performance.
Nigeria controlled possession and carved open Gabon’s defense repeatedly.
Akor Adams forced an early save from Loyce Mbaba just three minutes into the game.
The breakthrough arrived in the 78th minute when Adams capitalized on a critical defensive error from Gabon’s center-back Aaron Appindangoye.
Appindangoye misplayed a simple back pass under pressure from Nigeria’s pressing forwards, allowing the ball to run loose.
Adams intercepted, rounded the goalkeeper, and slotted the ball into an empty net.
Nigeria appeared like they were headed for a routine win—until disaster struck a minute before stoppage time.
Gabon snatched a dramatic equalizer in the dying moments of regulation time.
From a left-sided position just outside the penalty area, Mario Lemina took a speculative right-footed shot that struck Bright Osayi-Samuel, causing a wicked deflection.
The additional 30 minutes belonged to Nigeria
In the 98th minute, second-half substitute Chidera Ejuke collected the ball on the right from a through pass by Wilfred Ndidi and slotted home to put Nigeria back in front.
Victor Osimhen then atoned for his earlier missed chances with a venomous strike in the 102nd minute off Benjamin Frederick’s pass.
Osimhen then doubled his tally in the second half of extra time to seal the win.
Nigeria will now face DR Congo, who pipped Cameroon 1-0, in Sunday’s playoff final.
Also read: Rohr Laments Recurring Payment Woes in Nigerian Football Amid Training Boycott
A victory there earns Super Eagles a berth in March’s inter-confederation playoffs—the final step toward the 2026 World Cup.
Gabon’s valiant campaign ends in heartbreak
Unbeaten in their previous seven qualifiers, the Panthers pushed Nigeria to the brink but crumbled in extra time.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, in what may be his last World Cup qualifying run, departs without the historic breakthrough his nation craved.
