The Super Eagles of Nigeria delivered a resounding statement of intent on Wednesday night, crushing Gabon 4–1 in a thrilling 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier play-off semifinal at the Stade Moulay Hassan in Rabat, Morocco.
After a tense, goalless first half, the game burst to life in the final stages. Nigeria finally broke through in the 78th minute when Akor Adams capitalized on a defensive blunder to slot home the opener, sending the Nigerian fans in Rabat into a frenzy.
However, Gabon fought back valiantly, equalizing in the 89th minute through Mario Lemina, whose composed finish forced the match into extra time.
That was where the Super Eagles showed their class. Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s lead early in extra time with a sharp finish, before Victor Osimhen took charge, netting twice in the 106th and 114th minutes to seal a dominant victory for the three-time African champions.
The 4–1 scoreline reflected Nigeria’s attacking superiority and tactical discipline, as the team bounced back from recent internal challenges, including a brief training camp disruption over unpaid allowances earlier in the week.
With the victory, Nigeria advances to the CAF play-off final, where they will face the winner of Cameroon vs DR Congo on Sunday, November 16, in the same stadium, Morocco. The winner of that final will move on to the inter-continental play-offs in March 2026, the last hurdle to book a ticket to the World Cup in North America.
For Gabon, the result marks the end of their qualification journey despite flashes of promise throughout the match with the Captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang playing one of his final international appearances.
As the Super Eagles soar into the final stage, Nigerian fans are daring to dream again with the team just one win away from keeping their proud World Cup tradition alive.
