Nigeria’s Super Eagles survived an evening of chaos, braveness, and cold-blooded ending on the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan in Rabat, powering previous Gabon 4–1 after further time to maintain their 2026 FIFA World Cup dream burning brightly.
What started as frustration slowly morphed into authority, and finally into a press release of intent, the sort that defines groups chasing future.
Eric Chelle’s males dominated massive spells of the primary half however couldn’t discover a breakthrough, permitting Gabon to develop in confidence after the interval.
How the drama unfolded
Nigeria lastly broke the impasse within the 78th minute when Akor Adams punished Aaron Appindangoye’s defensive error, smashing within the opener after a good and tense second half. Chelle reacted by strengthening midfield management, withdrawing the goalscorer for Frank Onyeka.
However Gabon refused to fold. Mario Lemina’s deflected strike within the 89th minute dragged the competition into further time, forcing the Tremendous Eagles into one other take a look at of nerves.
Additional time, nonetheless, belonged fully to Nigeria.
Chidera Ejuke buried a composed end within the 98th minute to revive the lead earlier than Victor Osimhen, who had endured a irritating regulation interval, erupted into life. The Galatasaray striker delivered a ruthless double to place the tie past attain, dragging Nigeria into Sunday’s remaining in opposition to the winner of DR Congo vs Cameroon.
Key takeaways from Nigeria’s 4–1 Victory
Ultimate-third wastefulness nonetheless a priority
Nigeria created a flurry of first-half alternatives however lacked scientific edge, with attackers taking too many touches or firing large. In high-stakes one-off video games, profligacy may be expensive, and Gabon’s late equaliser was a reminder.
Osimhen, regardless of lacking a number of possibilities, redeemed himself spectacularly with two extra-time targets.
Benjamin Frederick: Composed, full, commanding
The 20 yr outdated continues to develop into his position with astonishing maturity. Since debuting on the 2025 Unity Cup, he has barely put a foot incorrect.
On Thursday, he silenced the in-form Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, denying the Gabon captain a single significant take a look at aim. His versatility throughout proper and centre-back zones stays a serious asset.
[Credit: Super Eagles Media]
Osimhen’s mentality defines champions
His 90-minute show was under normal, and he knew it. However elite strikers are measured by response, not perfection.
Osimhen stayed locked in, erased the misses from his thoughts, and delivered a devastating brace when Nigeria wanted him most.
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He’s now six targets shy of Rashidi Yekini on the all-time scorers record; a chase that all of a sudden feels inside attain.
Nigeria’s World Cup dream is alive, and loud
This wasn’t only a win. It was a press release delivered removed from dwelling, in opposition to a free-scoring Gabon facet, below playoff strain.
The Tremendous Eagles have despatched a warning to DR Congo who meets them in Sunday’s remaining, and will probably be going through a crew prepared to push via hearth to keep away from lacking a second consecutive World Cup.
For Chelle and his males, future calls once more on Sunday. The stakes are huge; and so is the idea.
