Nigeria's Super Eagles have advanced to the final of the African play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing a dramatic 4-1 victory over Gabon after extra time. The thrilling semi-final clash, held in Rabat, Morocco, saw Nigeria overcome an 89th-minute equalizer to seal their spot. Goals from Chidera Ejuke and a brace from Victor Osimhen in extra time ensured the win, after the match had ended 1-1 in regular time.

The Super Eagles initially took the lead in the 78th minute when Akor Adams capitalized on a poor back-pass to score. However, Gabon's Mario Lemina leveled the score in the 89th minute with a deflected shot that beat goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, sending the game into extra time. Former Super Eagles star Brown Ideye later defended Nwabali, stating that the deflection made it a difficult save for any goalkeeper.

In the first period of extra time, Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria's lead, finishing off a pass from Wilfred Ndidi. Victor Osimhen, who had squandered a late chance in regulation time, then found redemption, scoring his first goal of the evening in the 102nd minute, stripping off his protective face mask and shirt in celebration. He added his second goal five minutes into the second half of extra time, cementing the victory for the West African giants. Osimhen's two goals brought his national team tally to 31, placing him just six goals behind the late Rashidi Yekini's all-time record of 37.

Throughout the game, Nigeria displayed dominance, despite early missed opportunities and a contentious VAR review in the second half for a potential Gabon penalty, which was ultimately turned down. Gabon's key attackers, Denis Bouanga and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, were largely neutralized by Nigeria's defense, notably 20-year-old Benjamin Frederick. The result extends coach Eric Chelle’s unbeaten run since taking charge in January, bringing the Super Eagles closer to the expanded 48-team World Cup finals after missing out on Qatar 2022.

Following their triumph, Nigeria will now face the Democratic Republic of Congo in the African play-off final on Sunday, November 16, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. DR Congo secured their place in the final with a surprise 1-0 victory over Cameroon, with Captain Chancel Mbemba scoring a late winner. The winner of this upcoming match will then progress to a six-team intercontinental qualifier in March 2026, which will determine the final two qualifiers for the World Cup finals to be held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extended his congratulations to the Super Eagles, praising their performance as a reflection of the Nigerian character of resilience and unity. He commended the players, coaching staff, and crew for their commitment, urging them to maintain focus for the remaining qualifiers to secure a qualification spot.