2026 World Cup playoffs: Nigeria overpower Gabon with Victor Osimhen masterclass in Rabat

Nigeria delivered an electrifying performance at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, securing a 4-1 victory over Gabon after extra time in the semifinals of the CAF World Cup qualifiers.

The match, which started with both sides locked in a tactical deadlock, ended with Victor Osimhen the unquestionable hero after netting two decisive goals in extra time.

The first half saw both teams pressing but failing to break the deadlock, with tempers flaring as Wilfred Ndidi and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang picked up early yellow cards. The breakthrough came in the 78th minute, when Akor Adams put Nigeria ahead with a sharp finish that ignited celebrations among the Super Eagles fans.

Just as Nigeria seemed poised to clinch victory in regulation time, Gabon’s Mario Lemina stunned the stadium with a dramatic equalizer in the 89th minute, sending the match into extra time.

Chidera Ejuke was quick off the mark, giving Nigeria the lead again in the 97th minute after a well-worked move involving Wilfred Ndidi. The Gabonese defense struggled to contain the Nigerian attack as Osimhen unleashed his dominance, scoring in the 102nd and 110th minutes, his relentless running and clinical finishing putting the game beyond Gabon’s reach.

The final minutes saw a flurry of substitutions and yellow cards as both teams battled fatigue, but Nigeria’s composure and attacking prowess ultimately prevailed.