The Super Eagles of Nigeria bid for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, 13 November, 2025 received a boost as striker Victor Osimhen scored twice to inspire the Super Eagles to a 4-1 victory over Gabon in extra time, securing their place in the play-off final.
Akor Adams put Nigeria ahead in the 78th minute, but just as the Super Eagles seemed poised for a 1-0 win, Mario Lemina struck for Gabon in the 89th minute, sending the match into extra time.
The match saw Super Eagles dominating possession for much of the game, keeping the Panthers pinned in their own half. Sevilla forward Adams Akor finally broke the deadlock in the 78th minute, capitalizing on sustained pressure to give the Super Eagles a well-deserved lead.
However, Gabon found a way back into the contest just 11 minutes later when a deflection off a Nigerian defender diverted Mario Lemina’s shot past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, forcing the game into extra time.
Nigeria regained control in the 98th minute as Chidera Ejuke latched onto a precise through ball from captain Wilfred Ndidi to restore the lead. Star striker Victor Osimhen, who had earlier missed two clear chances, made amends late in the match with a brace for third and fourth goals that sealed Nigeria’s passage to the final.
The Super Eagles will now face the DR Congo who beat Cameroun 1-0 in the second semi-final in Sunday, 16 November, 2025 final.
