Super Eagles Soar Past Gabon in World Cup Playoff Semifinal
World football governing body FIFA has officially congratulated Nigeria's Super Eagles following their emphatic 4-1 victory over Gabon in the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff series. The thrilling match took place at Stade Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco, where Nigeria delivered one of their most commanding performances in recent years.
Dramatic Match Sees Nigeria Triumph in Extra Time
The encounter proved to be a rollercoaster of emotions for Nigerian fans. After a cagey, goalless first half, Akor Adams finally broke the deadlock early in the second half, capitalizing on a defensive mistake to fire Nigeria ahead. However, Gabon refused to surrender, finding an equalizer just four minutes before full time to force the nervy fixture into extra time.
From there, the Super Eagles shifted into a higher gear. Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria's lead with a composed finish that settled early tension in extra time. Then, Victor Osimhen took complete control of the game, netting twice to put the result well out of Gabon's reach and cementing the comprehensive 4-1 victory.
FIFA's Official Recognition
Taking to their official X (formerly Twitter) page, FIFA posted: "Nigeria move one step closer to the #FIFAWorldCup 26 Play-Off Tournament! #WeAre26." For many Nigerians, FIFA's acknowledgement underscores the magnitude of the team's achievement as the Super Eagles push to return to football's biggest stage after missing the previous edition.
The brace adds to Osimhen's growing influence in Nigeria's World Cup qualifying campaign, taking his total international tally to an impressive 31 goals. His previous hat-trick in the 4-0 win over Benin Republic played a vital role in pushing Nigeria into the playoffs as one of Africa's best runners-up.
Decisive Battle Against DR Congo Awaits
With the victory over Gabon secured, attention now shifts to the crucial final against the Democratic Republic of Congo scheduled for November 16. DR Congo advanced after defeating Cameroon 1-0 in the other semifinal, setting up a fierce contest between two nations hungry for a World Cup return.
The winner of the Nigeria vs DR Congo tie will advance to the intercontinental playoff, where six teams will battle for the last two available tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. This represents Nigeria's best chance to qualify for global football's premier tournament after their disappointing miss in the previous qualifying cycle.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has also praised Osimhen following his outstanding performance against Gabon, recognizing his crucial contribution to Nigeria's World Cup aspirations. As the Super Eagles prepare for their decisive encounter, the entire nation watches with bated breath, hoping to see their team return to the world stage.
