Nigeria advanced to the final round of the African World Cup qualifying playoffs after a 4–1 extra-time victory over Gabon at the Moulay Al Hassan Stadium in Rabat. The match, played under persistent rain, produced a tightly contested 90 minutes before opening up significantly in extra time, where Nigeria capitalised on key chances to secure the win.
The first half unfolded at a measured pace. Nigeria maintained more possession and circulated the ball efficiently but struggled to break through a well-organised Gabonese defensive structure. Gabon, for their part, remained disciplined, pressing in short bursts and seeking opportunities to counterattack through quick transitions. Neither side produced a clear-cut chance in the opening period, and both goalkeepers had relatively little to do, resulting in a goalless first half.
After the break, the game’s tempo rose. Nigeria pushed forward with increased urgency, while Gabon continued to absorb pressure and look for isolated moments to trouble the Nigerian backline. As the minutes passed, the match tightened further, and it became clear that the breakthrough would likely come from a moment of individual alertness rather than extended buildup play.
That moment arrived for Nigeria in the 78th minute. A misjudged back-pass from the Gabon defence allowed Akor Adams to intercept the ball. He rounded the goalkeeper before placing his finish into an empty net, giving Nigeria a 1–0 advantage. The goal shifted the momentum briefly, but Gabon responded with determination, pushing bodies forward in search of an equaliser.
Gabon’s persistence paid off in the 89th minute. Mario Lemina’s low shot took a deflection off a Nigerian defender, altering its trajectory and beating the goalkeeper. The late equaliser brought the match level at 1–1 and forced extra time, a development that reflected Gabon’s resilience and ability to stay competitive in a match where they had spent long spells off the ball.
Extra time, however, unfolded differently from the regulation 90 minutes. Nigeria began the additional period with greater attacking cohesion and found space more frequently between Gabon’s defensive lines. Their renewed intensity produced a goal in the 97th minute when Chidera Ejuke converted a well-placed pass from Wilfred Ndidi. The strike marked Ejuke’s first senior international goal and re-established Nigeria’s lead at 2–1.
With Gabon now required to chase the game, more spaces opened up across the pitch. Nigeria took advantage of these gaps and extended their lead further. In the 102nd minute, Victor Osimhen curled a composed finish into the net, giving Nigeria a 3–1 cushion. Osimhen struck again eight minutes later, in the 110th minute, reacting quickly to a loose ball in the box and converting from close range to make it 4–1. The brace capped off a strong extra-time display from the Nigerian forward after a quieter opening 60 minutes.
Gabon continued to push forward in the closing stages of extra time, but Nigeria managed the remaining minutes professionally, maintaining possession and preventing further threats. The match ended 4–1, a scoreline that reflected Nigeria’s effectiveness in extra time more than the balanced nature of regular play.
Off the pitch, the build-up to the game had included reports of internal tension within the Nigerian camp related to unpaid bonuses. The matter was resolved before kickoff, allowing the team to field its strongest available lineup. Gabon, meanwhile, entered the match aiming to continue their pursuit of a first-ever World Cup appearance, and their tactical organisation throughout regulation time highlighted the progress the team has made in recent years.
The result sees Nigeria progress to the playoff final, where they will face either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo. The winner of that match will advance to the inter-confederation playoffs scheduled for March, which will determine the final qualifying spots for the 2026 World Cup.
This match demonstrated contrasting strengths from both teams. Nigeria’s depth and attacking quality proved decisive during extra time, while Gabon’s disciplined defensive performance and late equaliser showcased their competitive ability at this stage of the qualifiers. The final score did not diminish the fact that Gabon remained firmly in the contest for most of the match and forced Nigeria to work significantly harder than the scoreline alone might suggest.
For Nigeria, the focus now shifts to preparing for the next and most decisive phase of qualification. For Gabon, the defeat ends their campaign, but their performance through regular time, particularly their organisation and ability to respond late in difficult moments, leaves a strong foundation for future qualification cycles.
The night in Rabat ultimately produced a match that was marked by phases of caution, periods of intensity, and a decisive shift in extra time. Nigeria move forward with confidence, while Gabon exit with a performance that underlined their competitiveness on a significant continental stage.
