Olushola Omogbehin
The Nigeria’s Super Eagles have defeated Gabon 4-1 in their 2026 World Cup playoff semi-final on Thursday evening.
Super Eagles qualified for the mini-tournament as one of the best runners-up in the main qualifying series after they finished behind South Africa who grabbed the automatic ticket from Group C.
In the match against Garbon, the Eagles dominated the early hours of the game, but failed to hit the back of the net until Adams Akor in the 78th minute of the match, hit the empty net to pave the way for further goals.
In extra time, Chidera Ejuke finished off Wilfred Ndidi’s pass to restore Nigeria’s lead, before Victor Osimhen added a brace.
However, the eagles were also lucky not to concede a penalty, after Bright Osayi-Samuel’s tug on the shirt was scrutinized through the VAR pitchside monitor. But the referee decided not to award a spot-kick.
But Gabon levelled 10 minutes later, as Mario Lemina’s deflected effort crept in past Stanley Nwabali.
In a tightly contested match as well, DR Congo booked their place in the CAF World Cup qualifying play-off final after a narrow 1-0 victory over Cameroon on Thursday.
Nigeria will now face DR Congo to claim the ticket to represent Africa at the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026.
