The Super Eagles of Nigeria delivered a spectacular performance in Rabat, dismantling Gabon 4-1 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff clash.
Victor Osimhen’s brace, along with goals from Sevilla stars Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke, sparked a thrilling comeback that secured Nigeria’s place in the next round.
A nervy start for Super Eagles before the breakthrough
The first half was tight, with chances few and far between. Osimhen had the game’s first clear opportunity with a towering header, only for Gabon’s keeper to pull off a stunning save.
The deadlock persisted until the 78th minute, when a defensive lapse allowed Akor Adams to round the goalkeeper and score, giving Nigeria the lead.
But Gabon responded swiftly. In the 89th minute, Lemina’s deflected strike off Bright Osayi-Samuel wrong-footed Stanley Nwabali, levelling the score and sending the game into extra time.
Extra time belonged to Nigeria. In the 97th minute, Wilfred Ndidi released Chidera Ejuke with a precise pass, and the Sevilla winger made no mistake to put Nigeria in front again.
Osimhen inspires late surge to seal victory
Osimhen then took centre stage. Five minutes later, Benjamin Frederick’s intelligent drive set up the Galatasaray striker to score his 30th international goal, putting Nigeria ahead 3-1.
In the 110th minute, a long ball found Osimhen, who controlled it beautifully, dribbled past two defenders, and slotted home to complete the 4-1 win. He later made way for Tolu Arokodare to a standing ovation.
Seven key takeaways from Super Eagles’ Gabon win
Akor Adams shines in early international career
Akor has hit the ground running with the Super Eagles. The Sevilla forward made a striking impression on his debut against Lesotho, coming off the bench to play a key role in Nigeria’s crucial 2–0 World Cup qualifying win. He has now added his second international goal in just three appearances.
Chidera Ejuke marks triumphant return
Ejuke marked a memorable return to the national team after a challenging year plagued by injuries. On his first call-up since October 2024, he made an immediate impact by scoring, making it a night to remember for both him and his club.
Victor Osimhen’s blistering form continues
Victor Osimhen kept up his remarkable scoring streak. After a sensational hat-trick against Benin, the Galatasaray forward added a brace against Gabon, bringing his World Cup qualifying tally to five goals in just two matches and reaching 31 goals overall for Nigeria.
Alex Iwobi hits 90 caps
The veteran midfielder and Fulham star reached a major milestone, celebrating a decade-long contribution to the Super Eagles since 2015.
Ndidi and Benjamin Frederick spark creativity
Wilfred Ndidi and Benjamin Fredrick played key roles in the build-up to goals. Ndidi delivered a clever pass to set up Ejuke, while Benjamin split the Gabonese defence with a perfectly timed through ball for Osimhen.
Sevilla stars deliver for Nigeria
Sevilla’s influence was clear as two of their players, Akor and Ejuke, found the net for Nigeria.
Back-to-back high-scoring wins
The Super Eagles have now scored four or more goals in consecutive matches for the first time since their emphatic wins over Algeria (5–2) and Zimbabwe (5–1) during the 2006 World Cup qualifiers back in September and October 2005.
With this victory, Nigeria moves one step closer to the 2026 World Cup, set to face DR Congo in the final CAF playoff round after they defeated Cameroon 1-0.
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