Victor Osimhen and Chidera Ejuke Shine as Nigeria

The Super Eagles of Nigeria delivered a thrilling performance to defeat Gabon 4-1 after extra time in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff semi-final at Stade Mohammed V. The win secures Nigeria’s place in the playoff final, keeping their World Cup dreams alive. Wilfred Ndidi captained the side, while Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams led the attack, supported by Alex Iwobi, who marked his 90th appearance for Nigeria. Nigeria’s Starting XI vs Gabon: 23. Stanley Nwabali (GK); 2. Benjamin Frederick, 3. Zaidu Sanusi, 4. Wilfred Ndidi (C), 6. Calvin Bassey, 9. Victor Osimhen, 11. Samuel Chukwueze,

The Super Eagles of Nigeria delivered a thrilling performance to defeat Gabon 4-1 after extra time in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff semi-final at Stade Mohammed V. The win secures Nigeria’s place in the playoff final, keeping their World Cup dreams alive. Wilfred Ndidi captained the side, while Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams led the attack, supported by Alex Iwobi, who marked his 90th appearance for Nigeria. Nigeria’s Starting XI vs Gabon: 23. Stanley Nwabali (GK); 2. Benjamin Frederick, 3. Zaidu Sanusi, 4. Wilfred Ndidi (C), 6. Calvin Bassey, 9. Victor Osimhen, 11. Samuel Chukwueze, 15. Akor Adams, 17. Alex Iwobi, 20. Ademola Lookman, 21. Bright Osayi-Samuel Substitutes: Maduka Okoye, Ola Aina, Frank Onyeka, Michael Onyemaechi, Abdullahi, Moses Simon, Obasogie, Nwadike, Chidozie Awaziem, and Olusegun The match began as a cagey affair, with both teams starting slowly. Nigeria soon started to dominate, creating chances but failing to convert. Osimhen and Gabon’s Royce Openda went close in the first half, but neither side could find the breakthrough. The second half remained tense, with chances scarce. The deadlock was broken in the 78th minute when Akor Adams capitalized on a poor back pass from Aaron Appindangoye, rounding the goalkeeper to score. Nigeria appeared on course for victory, only for Mario Lemina to drag Gabon back into the contest with a deflected strike in the 89th minute, making it 1-1. Extra time saw Nigeria’s stars rise to the occasion. Chidera Ejuke put Nigeria ahead in the first half of extra time, followed by two clinical finishes from Osimhen, who had missed a golden opportunity in stoppage time of regulation. The Super Eagles dominated in extra time, finishing the game 4-1. Key Moments: 78′ – Akor Adams opens the scoring for Nigeria 89′ – Mario Lemina equalizes for Gabon 97′ – Chidera Ejuke scores to put Nigeria ahead in extra time 100′ & 110′ – Victor Osimhen completes his brace, sealing Nigeria’s 4-1 victory The win highlighted Nigeria’s blend of experience and youthful talent, with Osimhen and Ejuke demonstrating composure and finishing prowess when it mattered most. The Super Eagles will now face the winner of the other playoff semi-final in a winner-takes-all clash to determine who qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Nigeria’s march to the playoff final sends a strong message: the Super Eagles are ready to rise to the occasion and secure their spot on football’s biggest stage.