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Nigeria run riot to secure World Cup playoffs final spot after Gabon win

football13 November 2025 19:00| © Backpage TXT
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Nigeria emerged as 4-1 winners over Gabon in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African Playoffs semifinal match after extra-time at the Moulay Al Hassan in Rabat, Morocco, on Thursday evening.

The emphatic victory saw the Super Eagles advance to the African Playoffs final, where they will lock horns with either Cameroon or DR Congo on Sunday.

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The winner of the final will advance to the inter-confederation playoffs scheduled to be hosted by Mexico in March 2026.

Gabon, on the other hand, saw their dream of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time fade away.

The Panthers will now turn their attention to the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals scheduled to be hosted by Morocco between 21 December 2025 and 18 January 2026.

The Super Eagles enjoyed most of the ball possession with Wilfred Ndidi dominating the midfield battle.

Nigeria's star striker, Victor Osimhen, was presented with a good chance to break the deadlock in the 17th minute, but his header went wide of the target.

Chances were falling for Osimhen and he managed to keep his header on target in the 21st minute, but goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba pulled off a smart save to deny the Galatasaray superstar.

The score was 0-0 at the interval, following a first half dominated by Nigeria without scoring.

LATE GABON GOAL FORCES EXTRA TIME

The Super Eagles continued to exert pressure on the Panthers after the restart and their pressure finally paid off in the 78th minute.

Akor Adams intercepted a poor pass and he went on to beat Mbaba to hand Nigeria what looked like a late winning goal.

However, Mario Lemina had other ideas as he hit the back of the net to level matters in the 89th minute, much to the delight of the Gabonese fans.

The late goal by the Galatasaray midfielder ensured that the game ended in a draw in regulation time and extra time followed.

An extra-time which was dominated by the Super Eagles followed as Chidera Ejuke netted his first-ever international goal for Nigeria to make it 2-1 before Osimhen scored his 30th international goal to extend Nigeria's well-deserved lead in the 102nd minute.

Osimhen, who is chasing Rashidi Yekini's record (37 goals) as Nigeria's all-time top scorer, scored again in the 110th minute.

The Ultimate Strikers Academy product beat Mbaba with another hard and low shot, and his 31st international goal sealed Nigeria's emphatic 4-1 win over Gabon.

Nigeria 4 (Adams 78', Ejuke 97', Osimhen 102', 110')

Gabon 1 (Lemina 89')

Nigeria: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Frederick, Bassey, Sanusi; Chukwueze (Ejuke 60'), Iwobi, Ndidi, Lookman (Simon 60'); Adams (Onyeka 83'), Osimhen

Gabon: Mbaba; A. Oyono, Appindangoye, Ecuele Manga; Openda (Meyo Ngoua 76', Moussounda 100'), Ndong (Eze 84'), Poko (N. Lemina 76', J Oyono 100'), M. Lemina, Ekomie; Bouanga, Aubameyang.

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