0
0
Nigeria went into extra-time and produced a ruthless masterclass that saw them dismantle Gabon 4-1 to book their place in the CAF World Cup play-off final on November 13, 2025, in Rabat. Victor Osimhen struck twice in eight blistering minutes, while Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams also found the net as the Super Eagles turned a tense stalemate into a convincing victory.
Heavy rains soaked the Stade Prince Moulay Al Hassan pitch from the very first minute. Neither team managed to find their rhythm in the first half. Stanley Nwabali denied Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang early, while Osimhen wasted two clear headers as Nigeria dominated possession without scoring.
An End To The Deadlock
The deadlock finally broke in the 78th minute as Akor Adams pounced on Aaron Appindangoye’s sloppy back-pass, rounded goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba, and slotted home to spark wild celebrations. Nigeria looked well set for victory until the 89th minute. Mario Lemina unleashed a shot from the left that deflected cruelly off Benjamin Frederick and looped past Nwabali to force extra time.
Interim coach Eric Chelle’s half-time words were all the tonic Super Eagles needed. Substitute Chidera Ejuke restored the lead in the 97th minute with a cool finish after a swift counter. Five minutes later Osimhen powered home a header from a pinpoint cross. He sealed the rout in the 110th minute, latching onto a through ball and smashing past Mbaba.
Osimhen’s Extract Brace
Then it rained goals. Osimhen’s brace under the pouring rain silenced doubters after a turbulent week. At a time when the squad had boycotted training over unpaid bonuses, they channeled fire into an unstoppable second-half display. Wilfred Ndidi bossed midfield, Bright Osayi-Samuel terrorized the right flank, and young defender Frederick recovered brilliantly from his earlier deflection.
Gabon fought gallantly but ultimately caved in when it mattered most. Aubameyang, in what could be his final World Cup push at 36 years old, started off bright but then slowly faded. Lemina’s late equalizer brought hope, but the Panthers lacked the legs to compete with Nigeria’s relentless intensity in extra time.
The win erases memories of missing out on Qatar 2022 and keeps the three-time African champions alive for the expanded 2026 tournament. Nigeria now await Cameroon or DR Congo in Sunday’s final. The winner advances to March’s inter-confederation play-offs for one last shot at glory.
