Super Eagles Soar Past Gabon in Crucial World Cup Playoff
The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, delivered a spectacular performance on Thursday night, November 13th, defeating Gabon 4-1 at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. This crucial victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff keeps Nigeria's qualification dreams firmly alive, sending them through to the final round.
Nail-Biting Match Leads to Extra-Time Triumph
The match was a tense affair for much of the regular time. Nigeria created numerous chances early on, with Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams coming close on multiple occasions. Gabonese goalkeeper Lukas Mounguenou was in inspired form, repeatedly denying the Nigerian attackers. The deadlock was finally broken in the 78th minute when Akor Adams capitalized on a defensive error from Gabon's Bruno Ecuele Manga to slot home the opener.
Just as victory seemed assured, Gabon's Mario Lamine scored a dramatic 89th-minute equalizer, his shot taking a deflection off Bright Osayi-Samuel to beat goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. The match was pushed into extra time, where the Super Eagles truly came alive.
Ejuke and Osimhen Seal the Deal in Style
Substitute Chidera Ejuke, who had been introduced in the 60th minute, became the hero in the 97th minute. He calmly beat the goalkeeper after receiving a precise pass from captain Wilfred Ndidi, restoring Nigeria's lead. From that point, there was no looking back.
Victor Osimhen finally got his reward for a night of relentless effort, scoring Nigeria's third goal in the 102nd minute from a Benjamin Fredrick assist. The Napoli star wasn't finished, completing his brace in the 110th minute with a moment of individual brilliance. He expertly controlled a long pass from Chigozie Awaziem, evaded four Gabonese defenders, and found the back of the net.
The 4-1 victory sets up a final playoff clash for Nigeria against the winner of the match between DR Congo and Cameroon, scheduled for Sunday, November 16th. The Super Eagles now stand just one win away from securing their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
