Nigeria booked their place in the World Cup African playoff final after defeating Gabon 4–1 in an intense semi-final clash decided in extra time on Thursday in Rabat, Morocco.
Despite entering the match under the cloud of a player strike over unpaid allowances, the Super Eagles pushed through the tension and delivered a strong late performance.
Akor Adams opened the scoring in the 78th minute after pouncing on a poor back pass from Gabon defender Aaron Appindangoye, leaving goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba stranded for an easy finish.
But Nigeria were denied a straight-forward win when Mario Lemina scored an 89th-minute equaliser — his shot taking a deflection off Bright Osayi-Samuel — to send the game into extra time.
Before that, Nigeria were lucky not to concede a penalty early in the second half when Osayi-Samuel appeared to tug Appindangoye’s shirt during a corner. A lengthy VAR check still resulted in no penalty.
The Super Eagles could have sealed victory during the 12 minutes of added time at the end of regulation, but Victor Osimhen shockingly missed a one-on-one chance, dragging his shot wide.
Extra time, however, belonged fully to Nigeria.
Wilfred Ndidi unlocked the Gabon defence with a brilliant pass that set up Chidera Ejuke, who restored Nigeria’s lead seven minutes into extra time. Osimhen redeemed himself with a tight-angle finish five minutes later after a powerful run and assist from Benjamin Fredrick.
The former African Player of the Year then showcased his class again, chesting down a long ball, turning past the defence, and firing into the far corner to secure his brace and seal the 4–1 victory.
Nigeria will now face the winner between Cameroon and DR Congo in Sunday’s final in Rabat. The eventual winner will advance to the inter-confederation playoffs in March, where two final spots for the expanded 48-team World Cup will be decided.
Nigeria’s preparations had been disrupted earlier in the week as players refused to train until previously promised payments were settled — an issue resolved just a day before the match.
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