The stage was set for a high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoff semi-final between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Panthers of Gabon. The match, held at the Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan in Rabat, Morocco, followed a turbulent start to the week for Nigeria, marked by a brief player protest over unpaid bonuses. Despite the initial disruption, the Super Eagles' camp settled, refocusing on securing a spot in Sunday’s playoff final and reigniting their World Cup qualification hopes, especially after disappointingly missing automatic qualification in their group.

Led by captain William Troost-Ekong and coached by Eric Chelle, Nigeria fielded a strong side. Key players included the prolific 2023 African Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen, alongside Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Benjamin Fredericks, Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. Gabon, captained by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, featured goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba, Mario Lemina, Aaron Appindangoye, and Denis Bouanga. This clash marked the 10th senior-level meeting between the two nations, with Nigeria holding a historical advantage of five wins, three draws, and one defeat. However, Gabon’s impressive seven-match unbeaten streak promised an intense and dramatic contest.

The game kicked off at 5 p.m. local time amidst persistent rain in Rabat. Coach Chelle made two changes from the previous game against Benin Republic, bringing in Bright Osayi-Samuel for the suspended Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman, moving Moses Simon to the bench. The Super Eagles started proactively, winning an early free kick, but also conceded one when Iwobi was adjudged to have fouled. An early chance for Nigeria saw Akor Adams attempting a shot instead of passing to Osimhen. Gabon gradually found their rhythm, with Wilfred Ndidi receiving a yellow card just six minutes into what was a physically demanding match.

As the first half progressed, Nigeria continued to push for an opening goal. Aubameyang, initially quiet, produced a clever chip that Nwabali quickly saved. The Super Eagles built from the back, with Akor Adams delivering a cross for Osimhen, but the Gabonese keeper, Mbaba, collided with the striker, denying him a clear sight at goal. Another chance arose when Iwobi’s cross found Osimhen for a header, which Mbaba pushed away for a corner. The Gabon goalkeeper was notably busier as Nigeria dominated possession and created more opportunities. Osimhen came close to heading Nigeria in front, but Mbaba made another crucial save. Despite Nigeria’s efforts, including a fast counterattack by Bright Osayi-Samuel that was thwarted by Mbaba, the score remained 0-0 at the half-hour mark. A VAR check for a potential penalty against Gabon for a shirt pull on Osimhen was waved off. The game was temporarily halted for Mbaba to receive medical attention. In the six minutes of added time, Benjamin Fredericks made a fantastic clearance to deny Aubameyang a shot, concluding the first half with a 0-0 stalemate, despite Nigeria having the better chances.

The second half saw Gabon kicking off, and an early free kick near Nigeria’s penalty box. An anxious moment for Nigeria arrived when Gabon appealed for a penalty after Bright Osayi-Samuel was seen pulling a player's jersey. Referee Tom Abongile spent over three minutes reviewing the situation with VAR before ruling no penalty, awarding a corner kick to Gabon instead. Nigeria made a double substitution, with Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze making way for Moses Simon and Chidera Ejuke. The match remained a tense, goalless affair past the 70-minute mark, with the Super Eagles desperately fighting to avoid missing back-to-back World Cup editions since their 1994 debut. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali required medical attention, raising concerns about his ability to continue.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 78th minute when Akor Adams intercepted a misplaced defensive pass and calmly slotted the ball home, giving Nigeria a 1-0 lead. Goalscorer Akor Adams was then substituted for Frank Onyeka. However, Gabon quickly retaliated, with Mario Lemina scoring a crucial equalizer just before stoppage time expired, bringing the score to 1-1. The Super Eagles, who had once lost to Gabon in a match that cost them a place at the Italia ’90 World Cup, faced the prospect of history repeating. Despite a late chance for Osimhen that he inexplicably squandered, the regular ninety minutes ended 1-1, pushing the game into extra time.

In the first half of extra time, the Super Eagles, determined not to be deflated, resumed with renewed conviction. Wilfred Ndidi’s excellent midfield work set up Chidera Ejuke, who sliced the ball past Mbaba to restore Nigeria’s lead, making it 2-1. Ejuke, like Akor Adams, plays for Sevilla. Moments later, young defender Benjamin Fredericks surged from the back to release Victor Osimhen, who finally found the back of the net for Nigeria’s third goal, marking his 30th international goal. Osimhen received a yellow card for his enthusiastic celebration. The first half of extra time concluded with Nigeria leading 3-1.

The second half of extra time saw more changes for Nigeria, with Alex Iwobi and Bright Osayi-Samuel being replaced by William Troost-Ekong and Chidozie Awaziem. Victor Osimhen continued his stellar performance, delivering a classic solo effort early in this period. He chested down a floated pass, weaved past two defenders, and fired home Nigeria’s fourth goal, bringing his tally to 31 goals in 45 matches for the national team, placing him just six goals short of the legendary Rashidi Yekini. This also marked his eighth goal in the World Cup qualification series. Osimhen then made way for Tolu Arokodare. Ndidi attempted a decent effort for a potential fifth goal, but Mbaba made another brave save. Frank Onyeka also received a yellow card. The match concluded with a resounding 4-1 victory for Nigeria.

Following their impressive extra-time masterclass, the Super Eagles advanced to the playoff final, where they are set to face DR Congo. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extended his congratulations to the team, praising their “true Nigerian spirit of resilience,” courage, and professionalism, stating that the victory added “fresh momentum to the national spirit.” NFF President Ibrahim Gusau also lauded the team’s “grit, guts and winning mentality.” Nigerian football fans took to social media, expressing a mix of relief and excitement. While some praised standout performances by Ndidi and Fredericks and acknowledged coach Eric Chelle’s incredible job, others lamented missed chances by Osimhen and highlighted Iwobi’s perceived poor performance. Former Super Eagles star Victor Ikpeba also commended the team for their positive reaction and fantastic display despite pre-match issues, noting the significant momentum gained for the upcoming final. Coach Chelle’s unbeaten start continues, moving him closer to leading Nigeria to the expanded 48-team World Cup.