World Cup (Q): Nigeria defeats Gabon in thrilling semifinal

Nigeria are through to the final of the African regional playoff in 2026 World Cup qualifying with Thursday’s 4-1 semifinal victory over Gabon after extra time at the Stade Moulay Hassan in Rabat, Morocco.

Chidera Ejuke and Victor Osimhen struck in the first half of extra time before Osimhen added one more goal in the second half to confirm a place in the final for the Super Eagles, who will face the winner of Thursday’s second semifinal between DR Congo and Cameroon on Sunday at the same venue.

The winner of the final will represent Africa at the inter-continental playoff tournament next March in Mexico.

It appeared that the Super Eagles would escape with a 1-0 victory when Akor Adams seized on a dreadful mistake by the Gabonese defense in the 78th minute. Pouncing on a loose pass, the Sevilla forward went around Panthers goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba to finish into an empty net.

However, a dramatic ending to the opening ninety minutes sent the match into extra time. Mario Lemina’s speculative shot took a deflection past Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali at his near post to equalize in the 88th minute.

Deep into stoppage time, Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen was sent in alone but incredibly put his finish wide of the goal with only Mbaba to beat. It appeared that it would be a frustrating outing for the Galatasaray poacher, whose 21st minute header was well saved by Mbaba for the best opportunity of the first half.

Shortly after halftime, a moment of controversy sparked life into the match. In the 51st minute, Denis Bouanga sent a free kick from the right wing into the penalty area and it appeared that Panthers defender Aaron Appindangoyé had his shirt pulled by Bright Osayi-Samuel as he attempted to get his head to the ball.

No penalty for Gabon!!! Nigeria are so lucky pic.twitter.com/Xxg5WbG4r9

— Cags ᜰ (@afccags) November 13, 2025

After a long VAR review that stretched over five minutes, referee Abongile Tom surprisingly waved off the penalty appeal to the shock of the Gabonese team.

But after Adams’ goal appeared set to send the Super Eagles through, the Panthers’ hopes were given a shot in the arm when Lemina’s shot took a deflection to wrong foot Nwabali. However, in the end, the Nigerian team was more clinical when it mattered most and executed well in extra time to advance.