The match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Panthers of Gabon ended in a dramatic 4–1 extra-time victory for Nigeria in the African Play-off semi-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification. The fixture took place in Rabat, Morocco, and brought Nigeria one step closer to the global finals.
Nigeria had failed to secure direct qualification from their qualifying group and thus found themselves in the play-off pathway. The expanded World Cup format for 2026 means Africa’s runners-up enter a mini-tournament for the remaining slots. The Nigerian team’s journey to this point has been turbulent: they dealt with a player boycott over unpaid bonuses just days before kickoff, and their group stage campaign had been inconsistent. Gabon, meanwhile, was seeking its first-ever World Cup ticket, having never reached the finals. Nigeria’s entry into the play-off came after finishing second in their group, which triggered the one-legged knockout format at a neutral venue.
In the match itself, Nigeria dominated much of the game but scored only late in normal time. In the 78th minute, Nigerian forward Akor Adams pounced on a poor back-pass by Gabon defender Aaron Appindangoye, rounded the goalkeeper, and scored into an open net to give Nigeria the lead. As the clock ticked toward full time, Nigeria appeared poised for victory, but in the 89th minute Gabon struck back when Mario Lemina’s shot deflected off a Nigerian defender and beat keeper Stanley Nwabali at his near post to make it 1–1. The equaliser shock forced the match into extra time.
In extra time, Nigeria regained control. Seven minutes into added time (97ʹ), Nigerian winger Chidera Ejuke finished a move set up by captain Wilfred Ndidi to restore the lead 2–1. Five minutes later (102ʹ), striker Victor Osimhen produced a composed finish from a Benjamin Frederick assist to make it 3–1. In the 110th minute, Osimhen struck again with a fine angled effort to complete the scoring at 4–1. Nigeria thus advanced to the final of the African play-offs and remains alive in the quest for a place at the World Cup.
The result provides a measure of relief after Nigeria’s off-field issues. Earlier in the week, the squad refused to train in protest over unpaid bonuses dating back several years. Captain Troost-Ekong confirmed the matter was resolved on Wednesday. The win also redeems a qualification campaign that saw Nigeria limp into second place in their group via a late surge.
For Gabon, the loss ends the dream after failing to convert promising moments into goals and paying for avoidable defensive errors. Their star forwards were largely contained by Nigerian defence, and the late collapse in extra time sealed their fate.
With this victory, Nigeria now faces the Democratic Republic of Congo in the final. The winner of that tie will advance to the inter-confederation play-offs in March, which determine the last African slots for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The Super Eagles emerged from a tough and tight match to deliver when it mattered. Their capacity to overcome adversity on and off the pitch earns them a chance to fight further for World Cup qualification. Gabon’s first-ever attempt to reach the finals ends for this cycle, with lessons to carry into the next campaign. The road is still not complete for Nigeria, but this win is a crucial step in what has been a difficult but significant campaign.
Samuel Aina