Nigeria are one step away from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Gabon 4–1 in extra time in Rabat.
It was a nervy evening, full of drama, missed chances, VAR checks, momentum swings, but the Super Eagles eventually imposed their quality when it mattered most.
First Half: Nigeria created chances but struggled to score
Nigeria started the match with intensity and immediately put Gabon under pressure.
Early openings fell for Victor Osimhen, Adams, and Iwobi, while Lookman’s runs from midfield kept stretching the defence.
Osimhen forced a brilliant save with a downward header, missed another chance from close range, and also collided with the goalkeeper during one of Nigeria’s strongest spells.
Nigeria dominated the early exchanges, but Gabon grew into the contest.
Nigeria came closest before the break with a scramble that the players were sure had crossed the line, but the officials disagreed, and the half ended without a goal.
Second Half: Gabon Fight Back and the Game Opens Up
Gabon came out stronger after the break.
They won a series of corners, applied pressure high up the pitch, and forced Nigeria to defend deeper than before.
VAR checked a possible penalty after Osayi-Samuel tugged a shirt in the box, but the review ended with no decision against Nigeria.
Simon and Ejuke replaced Chukwueze and Lookman as the Super Eagles struggled to regain control.
The match became stretched, and both teams searched desperately for the opening goal.
Akor Adams breaks the deadlock
Nigeria finally found the breakthrough when Akor Adams pounced on a poor back-pass from Appindangoye, showing great awareness to intercept the ball and calmly finish.
It was his second goal for Nigeria in just his third appearance, and it arrived at the perfect time.
Gabon equalizes late to force extra time
Instead of seeing the game out, Nigeria invited pressure.
Gabon pushed forward in the closing stages, and Mario Lemina’s shot took a heavy deflection to beat Nwabali for a dramatic 89th-minute equalizer.
Victor Osimhen missed a huge chance to win it in stoppage time when he went clean through on goal but placed his effort wide.
The match headed into extra time with everything still in the balance.
Extra Time: Nigeria take control and finishes the job
Once the extra 30 minutes began, Nigeria looked renewed.
Gabon struggled to match the Super Eagles’ energy, and the introduction of fresher legs made the difference.
Nigeria moved the ball quicker, won second balls higher up the pitch, and finally re-established control after losing momentum in the second half.
The first major moment of extra time came from Chidera Ejuke.
After a strong run by Wilfred Ndidi broke Gabon’s midfield line, the ball fell kindly to Ejuke, who picked his spot and guided a clean finish into the corner to restore Nigeria’s lead.
From that moment, the game swung completely in Nigeria’s favour.
Gabon pushed forward in desperation, leaving space behind, and that was all Victor Osimhen needed to come alive.
Victor Osimhen steps up with a brace
After a frustrating evening in normal time, Osimhen produced his best football when Nigeria needed him the most.
His first goal came from a tight angle, a confident strike that showed his determination to put the game beyond Gabon’s reach.
Moments later, he struck again, this time with a composed touch and a clinical finish, completing his brace and sealing the victory.
He was replaced late on to preserve him for the next match, but by then his work was done.
Nigeria had full control and were cruising toward the final whistle.
Nigeria to face DR Congo next
The win sends Nigeria into the final round of the CAF World Cup qualifiers.
Nigeria will now face DR Congo in the CAF World Cup qualification final after DR Congo stunned Cameroon with a last-minute winner from a corner.
The Super Eagles are now one win away from staying in the race for the 2026 World Cup.
Nigeria Player Ratings
Nwabali — 5.5
Osayi-Samuel — 6.5
Fredrick — 7.5
Bassey — 6.8
Sanusi — 6.2
Ndidi — 6
Iwobi — 6
Lookman — 4.9
Chukwueze — 5
Adams — 7.8
Osimhen — 8.5
Substitutes
Simon — 5.7
Ejuke — 7.5
Onyeka — 5
Awaziem — 5
Troost-Ekong — 5.5
Arokodare — 5
