Super Eagles Soar Past Gabon to Edge Closer to World Cup
In a high-stakes African playoff match, Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a 4–1 victory over Gabon in extra time, keeping alive their dreams of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. �
ESPN.com +1
The match wasn’t straightforward for Nigeria. After Akor Adams opened the scoring in the 78th minute, Mario Lemina equalized late, sending the game into extra time. � But it was in the added 30 minutes that Nigeria turned on the heat: Chidera Ejuke scored first, then Victor Osimhen sealed the win with a brace, making it 4–1. �
Reuters
ESPN.com +2
Their performance came despite earlier tensions in the camp — the team had briefly refused to train over unpaid bonuses. � But that seemed to have galvanized them rather than derailed them.
Reuters
With this win, Nigeria advances to the playoff final, where they will face either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo for a spot in the inter-confederation playoff. �
Vanguard News +1
Why it matters: For Nigeria, this is more than just a win — it’s a critical step toward returning to the World Cup. Osimhen’s heroics underline his importance, while the resilience shown amid off-field issues speaks to the team’s character. If they make it through, they could have a shot at one of the final spots in the 2026 tournament.
