Victor Osimhen delivered a scintillating extra-time performance on Thursday night, scoring twice as the Super Eagles defeated the Panthers of Gabon 4–1 at the Stade Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco, to reach the next playoff stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The match had remained goalless after a tense first half, but Nigeria broke through early in the second half when Akor Adams pounced on a defensive error to give the Eagles the lead. Gabon, however, clawed back into the contest, grabbing an equaliser four minutes from time to push the game into extra time. Nigeria responded emphatically. Substitute Chidera Ejuke restored the lead with a calm finish, before Osimhen took charge of the game, striking twice to put the result well beyond Gabon’s reach and reaffirm his status as the team’s talisman. A disciplined defensive pairing of Benjamin Frederick and Calvin Bassey ensured that Gabon’s late attempts to rally were quickly neutralised. The victory strengthens Nigeria’s push toward the 2026 World Cup, placing the Super Eagles one step closer to qualification ahead of the final playoff round. Nigeria secured a berth among the top runners-up in the African qualifying series, boosted by their recent 4–0 rout of Benin Republic, in which Osimhen registered a memorable hat-trick. Gabon, who finished second in Group F behind Ivory Coast, had entered the playoffs hoping for an upset but were ultimately overpowered in extra time. The Super Eagles will next face either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo on November 16, with the winner advancing to the inter-continental playoff for a chance to book a ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
WCQ Playoff: Nigeria crushes Gabon 4–1, revives World Cup hopes
