By Ghazali Ibrahim
Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a dramatic 4-1 victory over Gabon on Thursday night in Rabat, booking their place in the final round of the CAF 2026 World Cup playoff series.
The game, played at the Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium, was tense from the start and only opened up in the 78th minute when Akor Adams gave Nigeria the lead. But Gabon responded quickly, with Mario Lemina netting an equaliser in the 89th minute, forcing extra time.
In the added 30 minutes, the Super Eagles came alive. Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s lead in the 97th minute, before Victor Osimhen sealed the game with two quick goals in the 103rd and 110th minutes, ending Gabon’s World Cup hopes.
The win comes just days after controversy rocked the Nigerian camp over unpaid special match bonuses. Team captain William Troost-Ekong confirmed shortly before the game that the matter had been resolved, calling the squad “united and focused” ahead of the crucial clash.
Nigeria will now face the loser of the second semifinal between Cameroon and DR Congo in the final playoff round on November 16. A win there would take them closer to qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the intercontinental playoff path.
