World Cup Playoff: Nigeria dumps out Gabon as Super Eagles fly in extra-time through, Ejuke, Osimhen’s Brace

By Harry Awurumibe,  Editor,  Abuja Bureau

Nigeria’s dream of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup final in the United States of America (USA), Canada and Mexico is still alive as the Super Eagles walloped Gabon 4-1 in the first semi-final match of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Play-off decided this evening at Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in Rabat,  Morocco.

Turkey based Victor Osimhen’s brace in the 102 and 110 minutes with two goals by Akor Adams 78 minute and substitute Chidera Ejuke in the 97 minute, respectively ensured that Nigeria will play in Sunday’s Playoff final between the winner of the second semi-final tie between Cameroon and Democratic Republic of Congo which will be decided later this night.

After a scoreless first half,  Nigeria broke the deadlock courtesy of Adams’ 78 minute goal, which was unfortunately cancelled by Gabon’s Mario Lemina in the 89 minute to drag the game into extra-time of 30 more minutes.

However, Super Eagles who let themselves down by allowing their Gabonese opponents to score the equalizer very deep in the stoppage time came out forcefully to fight in the extra-time with Ejuke and Osimhen scoring two quick goals within five minutes just as the former African Player of the Year Award winner scoring his second goal on the day eight minutes later to ensure that Nigeria ran away with a 4-1 victory to dump Gabon out of the mini-tournament in Morocco.