Victor Osimhen inspired Nigeria to the next round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after defeating Gabon 4-1 after extra time in Morocco.
The Super Eagles will face either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo for a place in the World Cup play-offs following their convincing victory over Gabon on Wednesday.
Osimhen scored twice for Nigeria in extra time, while Chidera Ejuke also found the net, after Mario Lemina’s late equaliser had forced the contest beyond 90 minutes.
Gabon survived an early scare in the fourth minute when Akor Adams’ close-range effort was blocked by goalkeeper, Loyce Mbaba, after the defence failed to clear a long ball from Alex Iwobi.
Osimhen remained a constant threat for the Super Eagles, forcing a diving save from Mbaba after connecting with Iwobi’s cross, before missing narrowly with an awkward strike moments later.
Referee Abongile Tom consulted the pitchside VAR monitor early in the second half after Gabon appealed for a penalty when Bright Osayi-Samuel pulled Aaron Appindangoye’s shirt during a corner.
However, he declined to award a spot kick.
Appindangoye’s mistake gifted Nigeria the lead 12 minutes from time when his misplaced pass was intercepted by Adams, who rounded Mbaba before finishing into an empty net.
Gabon drew level late on through Lemina, whose curling effort deflected past Stanley Nwabali at the near post. Osimhen then missed a gilt-edged chance for a winner deep into stoppage time.
Nigeria eventually found their composure in extra time, with Ejuke and Osimhen both scoring clinical finishes across goal in the first period before the Napoli forward sealed the win with another strike in the second.
Osimhen redeemed himself after missing a late opportunity in normal time, scoring twice in extra time to guide Nigeria through.
The 26-year-old now has 11 goals in his last eight matches for club and country, including two hat-tricks and two braces.
Ejuke also opened his account for Nigeria as the Super Eagles aim to reach the World Cup finals for the seventh time in their history, and the first since 2018.
Source: NAN
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