Osimhen inspires Nigeria to extra-time victory over Gabon in World Cup play-off

Nigeria booked their place in the final round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-offs with a thrilling 4-1 extra-time victory over Gabon in Rabat on Thursday night. 

The Super Eagles, led by Eric Chelle, bounced back from a late equaliser to secure the win thanks to goals from Chidera Ejuke and a brace from Victor Osimhen.

The match at Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan was finely poised after regulation time, with Akor Adams putting Nigeria ahead in the 78th minute before Mario Lemina’s deflected strike levelled for Gabon just one minute from full time.

However, the Super Eagles showed their resolve in extra time as Ejuke restored the lead in the 97th minute, before Osimhen struck twice in quick succession to seal the emphatic win.

Osimhen, who has now scored eight goals in seven World Cup qualifying appearances, removed his face mask and shirt in celebration after netting his first of the night. 

His exuberance reflected both relief and determination after missing a crucial chance to win the game in stoppage time of normal play. The Galatasaray striker made amends five minutes into the second half of extra time, finishing clinically to ensure Nigeria’s progress.

Nigeria, who had been dogged by off-field issues earlier in the week due to a player boycott over unpaid bonuses, showed no signs of distraction on the pitch. 

They dominated much of the game under heavy rain, with Osimhen and Adams threatening early on and Gabon goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba pulling off several impressive saves. 

The Panthers relied on counter-attacks and briefly believed they had earned a penalty for a foul by Bright Osayi-Samuel, but a lengthy VAR review ruled otherwise.

Defensively, the Super Eagles were marshalled by 20-year-old Benjamin Fredrick, who impressed in keeping Gabon’s key forwards Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Denis Bouanga quiet.

The win extends head coach Eric Chelle’s unbeaten run since taking charge in January, making him the first non-Nigerian African to lead the team. 

His appointment, initially met with skepticism, has now yielded tangible results as Nigeria move closer to a return to the global stage.

Nigeria will now face the winner of Cameroon’s clash with DR Congo in Sunday’s play-off final. The victor of that encounter will advance to the six-team intercontinental qualifier in March 2026, where two final World Cup spots will be decided.