Victor Osimhen Brace Fires Super Eagles Past Gabon 4-1 in Extra Time Thriller, Secure Place in Play-off Final

Nigeria’s Super Eagles dramatically kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup dream alive today, Thursday, November 13, 2025, securing an emphatic 4-1 victory after extra time against the Panthers of Gabon in a thrilling African Play-off semi-final staged in Rabat, Morocco.

The Super Eagles overcame late-game heartbreak and a major scare before a dazzling display in the additional 30 minutes saw them eliminate Gabon and secure their ticket to Sunday’s final.

Nigeria had thought they had done enough in regular time when Akor Adams capitalized on a defensive error to put the team ahead in the 78th minute. However, the Panthers restored parity in the 89th minute when Mario Lemina’s deflected shot wrong-footed the Nigerian goalkeeper, forcing the match into extra time with the score locked at 1-1.

Osimhen Shines in Extra Time

The extra period, however, turned into a clinical showcase for the three-time African champions. Substitute Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s lead in the 97th minute with a composed finish.

The floodgates then opened for Africa’s Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, who had missed a golden opportunity to win the tie in the dying seconds of normal time. The star striker redeemed himself with two brilliant finishes, netting in the 102nd minute and securing his brace in the 110th minute to complete the rout at 4-1.

The victory moves the Super Eagles one step closer to securing a return to the World Cup stage after missing the 2022 tournament. Nigeria will now return to the same venue on Sunday, November 16, 2025, for the African Play-off Final against the winner of the ongoing clash between Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).

The winner of Sunday’s decisive final will advance to the six-team Intercontinental Play-off Tournament in March 2026, which offers the final chance to qualify for the expanded World Cup tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.