Nigeria’s Super Eagles advanced to the final of the 2026 World Cup playoff mini-tournament on Thursday after a dominant 4–1 victory over Gabon.
The Eagles entered the playoffs as one of the best runners-up from the African qualifying groups, having finished behind South Africa in Group C.
Eric Chelle’s side controlled much of the early play against the Panthers but struggled to convert their superiority into goals. Nigeria also survived a VAR scare when Bright Osayi-Samuel’s shirt pull was reviewed for a possible penalty, but the referee waved it off.
The breakthrough finally came in the 78th minute when Adams Akor capitalised on a defensive mix-up to slot into an empty net.
Gabon, however, equalised 10 minutes later through Mario Lemina, whose deflected strike beat goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
In extra time, Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s advantage with a composed finish from Wilfred Ndidi’s clever pass. Victor Osimhen then sealed the victory with two well-taken goals, putting the result beyond doubt.
Nigeria will now face the winner of the DR Congo vs Cameroon fixture for a place in the intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March 2026.
