President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Super Eagles on their resounding 4-1 victory over Gabon in Thursday’s FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff in Rabat, praising the gamers for displaying what he described because the “true Nigerian spirit of resilience.”
In an official assertion launched by the State Home, President Tinubu stated the efficiency, which noticed Nigeria advance to Sunday’s playoff closing, exemplified the nationwide character of “rising, adapting, and prevailing” even within the face of adversity.
The President recommended the staff’s braveness and professionalism, noting that “the victory provides contemporary momentum to the nationwide spirit and strengthens the collective resolve to safe a spot on the World Cup.”
He lauded the gamers, teaching crew, and technical workers for his or her dedication and thanked hundreds of thousands of Nigerians who proceed to help the staff “with ardour and loyalty.”
In line with President Tinubu, “that is the true Nigerian spirit of resilience in opposition to all odds. Don’t cease till you safe a qualification. Tremendous Eagles, hold hovering. The nation stands with you!”
Tremendous Eagles ship extra-time masterclass
The President’s message got here simply after Nigeria produced a stirring extra-time efficiency to overpower Gabon in Rabat and transfer inside one match of securing an intercontinental playoff berth for the 2026 World Cup.
In a recreation described by the NFF because the “Rumble in Rabat,” either side confirmed robust intent within the early phases as Nigeria common two fast possibilities by means of Wilfred Ndidi and Akor Adams.
Alex Iwobi, on his ninetieth look for the nationwide staff, additionally went shut earlier than Gabon’s defence and goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba started to resist sustained stress.
Victor Osimhen, the 2023 African Footballer of the Yr, narrowly missed three possibilities within the area of 5 minutes and even had a possible purpose reviewed by the VAR however dominated out for not crossing the road.
The second half noticed tempers flare and momentum swing, with referee Tom Abongile checking for a attainable penalty in opposition to Nigeria earlier than waving play on.
Nigeria ultimately broke the impasse within the 78th minute when Adams Akor intercepted a misplaced defensive move and calmly slotted house.
However Gabon compelled further time after Mario Lemina smashed in a late equaliser simply earlier than stoppage time expired.
PREDATOR! Osimhen on the best way to scoring his second and Nigeria’s fourth of the match
Ejuke and Osimhen seal the victory
The Tremendous Eagles refused to be deflated, returning for further time with renewed conviction. Ndidi’s tremendous work in midfield arrange Chidera Ejuke, who sliced the ball previous Mbaba for Nigeria’s second of the night.
Moments later, younger defender Benjamin Fredericks surged from the again to launch Osimhen for Nigeria’s third — the striker’s thirtieth worldwide purpose.
Osimhen then delivered a traditional solo effort early within the second interval of additional time, chesting down a floated move earlier than weaving previous two defenders to fireside house Nigeria’s fourth.
It was his thirty first purpose in 45 matches, leaving him simply six wanting the legendary Rashidi Yekini.
Ndidi virtually added a fifth late on, however Mbaba clawed away his fierce strike.
READ ALSO: Osimhen seals extra-time victory as Tremendous Eagles edge nearer to World Cup dream
NFF reacts as Nigeria targets closing step
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau hailed the efficiency, saying: “The gamers rose stoutly to the event and made Nigeria proud with a strong efficiency. Little doubt, they’ve that grit, guts and successful mentality to overcome whoever seems to be the opposition in Sunday’s Ultimate.”
Nigeria will face DR Congo on Sunday, hoping to advance to the intercontinental playoffs, the ultimate hurdle towards reserving a seventh World Cup look.
