Osimhen Brace Lifts Nigeria Closer To 2026 World Cup Dream

Nigeria’s Super Eagles booked their place in the final round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers after a hard-fought 4–1 victory over Gabon at the Stade Prince Moulay Al Hassan in Rabat.

Despite the emphatic scoreline, the game was far from straightforward. Nigeria were forced into extra time after Mario Lemina’s late equaliser cancelled out Akor Adams’ opener. But a dominant extra-time display, led by Victor Osimhen’s brace and Chidera Ejuke’s well-taken strike, sealed a deserved win for the Super Eagles.

First Half: Missed Chances and Caution

Both teams began cautiously, aware of the stakes. Nigeria dominated early possession but lacked precision in the final third. Osimhen’s glancing header and Iwobi’s curling effort both went narrowly wide, while Gabon goalkeeper Jean-Noël Amonome made several key interventions to keep the scores level.

Gabon, on their part, were disciplined defensively and relied on quick transitions through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who tested Francis Uzoho with a long-range effort midway through the half. The first 45 minutes ended goalless, with tension rising among the Nigerian supporters in the stands.

Second Half: Late Drama

Nigeria finally broke the deadlock in the 78th minute when Akor Adams pounced on a defensive lapse to slot home from close range, sending the Super Eagles’ bench into celebration.

However, the lead didn’t last long. With just a minute of regulation time remaining, Mario Lemina rose highest to head home from a corner, forcing the game into extra time and momentarily silencing the Nigerian fans.

Extra Time: Osimhen Takes Charge

Extra time saw a rejuvenated Nigeria take control of the match. Substitute Chidera Ejuke restored the lead in the 97th minute with a superb solo effort, weaving past two defenders before firing low into the corner.

Then came the Osimhen show, the Galatasaray striker struck twice in quick succession (102’ and 110’) to crush Gabon’s resistance. His first, a precise finish after a sweeping counterattack; his second, a poacher’s effort from inside the box.

Gabon’s energy wilted as Nigeria’s confidence grew, and by the final whistle, the Super Eagles were well in command.

What’s Next

The win sends Nigeria into the final playoff round, where they will face the winner between Cameroon and DR Congo. A win in that fixture would seal their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.