Football: Victor Osimhen helps Nigeria keep 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes alive with thrilling extra-time victory over Gabon
by Devesh Jaganath | by Cydias Aujard
Super Eagles snatch late victory over the Panthers in Rabat
Victor Osimhen bagged a stunning brace in extra time to lead Nigeria to a 4-1 victory over Gabon in Rabat in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Playoff Qualifier semi-final clash on Thursday night.
After a goalless first half, the Super Eagles opened the scoring in the match through Akor Adams, but the Panthers fought their way back into the tie and snatched an equaliser in the 89th minute thanks to Mario Lemina.
However, Eric Chelle’s side took their performance up a notch in extra time, with Chidera Ejuke and Victor Osimhen both scoring in the first period before Galatasaray’s talisman put the match to bed with his second of the night five minutes into the second period.
Osimhen led the celebrations for his side, ripping off his protective face mask and shirt, largely through excitement but also partly due to relief after squandering a golden opportunity to win the match for his side in the 12th minute of added time.
The victory moves Nigeria closer to securing a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America next year. The Super Eagles will face either Cameroon or DR Congo in the Playoff Final (CAF) on Sunday, and all the action will be covered on our football livescore tool.
Nigeria players unite despite troubled build-up
Aside from the result on Thursday night, perhaps the greater joy for Nigerian fans was seeing their players fight to the death despite the disruption behind the scenes in the build-up to the clash against Gabon.
On Tuesday, the Super Eagles' players and technical staff boycotted training due to unpaid bonuses owed to them dating as far back as 2019. The NFF had to act swiftly to resolve the matter, but got it done in the end, with the team captain William Troost-Ekong releasing the following statement on Wednesday:
“Issue RESOLVED. Outstanding financials cleared and on ground. Team is UNITED and focused as before on representing NIGERIA with our maximum for the games ahead.”
Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which has added even more weight on Eric Chelle and co. to get through this time. If the Super Eagles can secure victory in the World Cup Playoff Qualifier final this weekend, they will advance to the inter-continental playoff for a chance at a World Cup berth.
