Nigeria 4-1 Gabon: Eagles Don Fly Enter World Cup Playoffs Final

Three extra-time goals, including brace from Victor Osimhen and another strike from Chidera Ejuke, don take Nigeria one step closer to 2026 World Cup after dem beat Gabon 4-1 for di first semi-final of African playoffs for Morocco on Thursday. Akor Adams put Super Eagles 1-0 ahead for 78th minute, but Mario Lemina equalise with one minute left. Ejuke restore lead for extra-time wit him first goal for Nigeria, before Osimhen score him brace to send Eagles enter Sunday final. Despite bonus row with NFF 48 hours before di game, Super Eagles no show weakness against Panthers as Zaidu Sanusi test Gabon goalkeeper Marius Mbaba in di first minute, and Adams one-on-one chance later miss. Osimhen header go wide after cross from Adams, and him miss another chance inside box after Ademola Lookman set am up. Gabon start to settle after half-hour mark, but Sanusi and Stanley Nwabali make key saves to keep game level going to half-time.

Second half see Gabon dey dominate early, win free kick, but VAR check shirt pull inside box no give dem penalty. Coach Eric Chelle make substitutions, bring in Moses Simon and Chidera Ejuke for Lookman and Chukwueze. Nigeria break through in 78th minute after sloppy backpass by Aaron Appindangoye, Adams tap ball into empty net. Gabon force extra-time wit last-minute goal from Lemina. For extra-time, Ejuke score from Ndidi through ball, then Osimhen fire two more goals to complete him brace, make score 4-1. Nigeria go face DR Congo/Cameroon for Sunday final, winner advance to inter-continental playoffs for Mexico by March 2026, where two World Cup tickets for USA, Canada, and Mexico dey up for grab.