World Cup
Super Eagles Soar Past Gabon 4–1 After Extra Time to Reach Playoff Final
It was a night of redemption and resilience for Nigeria in Rabat, Morocco, as the Super Eagles produced a stunning extra-time performance to defeat Gabon 4–1 and advance to the CAF World Cup playoff final.
After a tense 90 minutes that ended 1–1, the Nigerians came alive in extra time, firing three unanswered goals to book a place in the next round—where they will face the winner of the DR Congo versus Cameroon clash for a spot in the intercontinental playoff.
The match began as a frustrating contest for Nigeria, who dominated possession and spent long spells in Gabon’s half but could not find a breakthrough.
Their persistence finally paid off in the 78th minute when Akor Adams, hero of Nigeria’s earlier 2-1 away win against Lesotho, pounced on a defensive error to give Nigeria a deserved lead.
However, just as the Super Eagles seemed set to close out the game, Gabon equalized in the 89th minute through Mario Lemina, whose deflected shot left goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali helpless and sent the match into extra time.
Nigeria then shifted gears, showing their quality and depth. Chidera Ejuke restored the advantage in the 97th minute after a clever buildup involving Wilfred Ndidi.
Moments later, Victor Osimhen—who had been tightly marked all night—sprang to life with two brilliant goals in quick succession. His angled strike in the 102nd minute made it 3–1, and his composed finish in the 110th minute sealed the 4–1 triumph.
Coach Eric Chelle’s substitutions paid off handsomely, with Onyeka coming in for Adams to strengthen midfield control, while Awaziem and Ekong were introduced late to shore up the defense. Gabon’s tactical changes could not unlock Nigeria’s well-organized backline.
With this victory, Nigeria moved a step closer to securing a return to the FIFA World Cup stage. The Super Eagles now await the outcome of the DR Congo vs Cameroon fixture to determine their final opponent in the CAF playoff decider.
Scorers for Nigeria: Akor Adams (78’), Chidera Ejuke (97’), Victor Osimhen (102’, 110’)
Scorer for Gabon: Mario Lemina (89’)
Next Stop: CAF Playoff Final – Nigeria vs DR Congo/Cameroon on Sunday.
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World Cup
DR Congo Set Up Play-Off Final Showdown With Nigeria After Stunning Late Win Over Cameroon
The Democratic Republic of Congo will face Nigeria in the African final play-off for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic late victory over Cameroon on Thursday night in Rabat, Morocco.
A stoppage-time winner from captain Chancel Mbemba sealed a 1-0 triumph for the Leopards at the Stade El Barid, ending Cameroon’s hopes of returning to the World Cup and confirming that Manchester United star Bryan Mbeumo will miss the 2026 tournament.
In a tense and rain-soaked encounter with few clear chances, both teams struggled to break each other down as extra time appeared increasingly likely.
Cameroon came closest in the second half when Mbeumo, in superb club form, was played through on goal but stabbed inches wide of the near post.
At the other end, DR Congo threatened through Cedric Bakambu, who forced a fine save from Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana, currently on loan at Trabzonspor. Theo Bongonda later fired over a promising opportunity for the Congolese.
Just when the game seemed destined for an additional 30 minutes, DR Congo found their breakthrough.
Former Newcastle United defender Mbemba drifted free at the far post and guided in a low finish from Brian Cipenga’s corner, sparking jubilant celebrations from Sebastien Desabre’s men.
The result means Cameroon — Africa’s most experienced World Cup team with eight appearances — will not be going to their ninth. Instead, DR Congo advance to what promises to be a fiercely contested play-off final against Nigeria, with a coveted ticket to the 2026 World Cup on the line.
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Just hours before kickoff of the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash between Nigeria and Gabon, Gabonese news outlet, L’Union has announced that FIFA has offereda major incentive for supporters — free entry to the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat this evening.
According to the publication, there is an online link granting fans free access to the match venue. It announced that Gabonese residents in Morocco, especially those based in Rabat, should register for the free ticket via https://surl.li/hzkqft.
Sports Village Square could not guarantee the safety of the link. L’Union pointed out that successful registration provides personalized access to the stadium for what is expected to be a high-stakes battle on the road to the 2026 World Cup.
Also, the Gabonese Press Agency (AGP), added that the crowd could play a decisive role: “While the outcome on the field remains uncertain, the team with the most supporters in the stands could benefit from crucial motivation,” AGP noted.
More than 3,000 Gabonese fans, many of them students, are expected to turn up in festive colours to spur on the Gabonese Panthers.
The Super Eagles, however, will not lack support either, with Morocco hosting a sizeable Nigerian community ready to fill their section with energy and chants for the three-time African champions.
The winner of Thursday’s showdown will face the victor of the Cameroon vs. Democratic Republic of Congo fixture on Sunday.
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By Kunle Solaja.
A fierce contest is expected on Thursday when Gabon’s Panthers take on the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the semi-finals of the African play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The match kicks off at 4 p.m. (Nigerian time) at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Gabon coach Thierry Mouyouma has a full-strength squad at his disposal, including captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Denis Bouanga, Mario Lemina, Didier Ndong, Guelor Kanga, and veteran defender Bruno Ecuele Manga.
The team, which arrived in Morocco on Monday, is based at the Ziaida Palace and Spa sports complex in Benslimane, about 50 kilometres from the Moroccan capital.
“We’re here to write another page in Gabonese football history,” Mouyouma declared, acknowledging the scale of the challenge ahead.
“If Gabon intends to grow and move beyond the quarter-finals at future Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, we must learn to compete with the top African nations — and Nigeria is one of them. This play-off is a decisive turning point for us.”
The Panthers will need to overcome daunting odds — Gabon have beaten Nigeria only once in the past 40 years — to reach the intercontinental play-off that will determine one of the final spots at the expanded 48-team World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Their opponents, Nigeria, also arrived in Rabat on Monday with a star-studded lineup featuring Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, and captain William Troost-Ekong. The Super Eagles advanced to the play-offs after a commanding 4–0 win over Benin in their final qualifying match.
Despite their superior record and firepower, Troost-Ekong warned against complacency. “Gabon is a solid team. Aubameyang leads a talented group that can cause real problems for defenders,” the Nigerian captain said. “In Africa, you should never underestimate any opponent — and we won’t make that mistake with Gabon.”
Thursday’s clash in Rabat promises to be an open, attacking battle between two ambitious sides, each eager to edge closer to a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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