Nigeria crush Gabon 4-1, advance to CAF playoff final
Nigeria on Thursday advanced to the CAF playoff final after a commanding 4-1 extra-time victory over Gabon in Rabat.
The Super Eagles will now face the winner between DR Congo and Cameroon for a place in the intercontinental playoff that will determine World Cup qualification.
The game sprang to life in the 78th minute when Akor Adams pounced on a defensive error to hand Nigeria a 1-0 lead. However, Gabon hit back late in regulation time as Mario Lemina’s deflected shot found the net in the 89th minute, forcing the game into extra time at 1-1.
Nigeria regained control in the 97th minute when Chidera Ejuke converted from Wilfred Ndidi’s clever pass to restore the lead.
Victor Osimhen then took center stage, scoring twice in quick succession — a superb angled strike in the 102nd minute and another composed finish in the 110th — to complete the emphatic 4-1 win.
The Super Eagles made key substitutions to preserve the advantage, with Frank Onyeka replacing Akor Adams in the 83rd minute, while Chidozie Awaziem and William Troost-Ekong were introduced in the 108th to stabilize the backline.
Despite several tactical changes, Gabon failed to penetrate Nigeria’s resolute defense.
The Super Eagles’ victory brings them within touching distance of the World Cup intercontinental playoff as they await their next opponent between DR Congo and Cameroon.
