Nigeria strengthened their push for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday as striker Victor Osimhen scored twice in extra time to seal a 4–1 victory over Gabon and send the Super Eagles into the play-off final.

Akor Adams opened the scoring in the 78th minute, giving Nigeria a late lead. However, just as the Super Eagles appeared set for a narrow 1–0 win, Mario Lemina struck for Gabon in the 89th minute, taking the match into extra time.

Nigeria regained the advantage in the 97th minute when substitute Chidera Ejuke marked his first goal for the national team with a composed finish. Osimhen, who had earlier squandered a gilt-edged opportunity in stoppage time—firing wide with only goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba to beat—redeemed himself five minutes into extra time. Set up by Benjamin Fredrick, he drove a low effort across Mbaba and into the far corner.

The former Napoli striker added his second on 110 minutes, controlling a long pass before once again beating Mbaba with a precise shot into the far corner.

Nigeria will now face the Democratic Republic of Congo, who defeated Cameroon 1–0, in Sunday’s African play-off final, with a place in next March’s six-nation intercontinental qualifiers at stake. Two winners from the tournament will advance to the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Bolivia and New Caledonia have already secured qualification.

Nigeria made a pre-match change by leaving regular captain and centre-back Mr. William Troost-Ekong on the bench, with Besiktas midfielder Mr. Wilfred Ndidi handed the captain’s armband.

Another substitute, Brentford midfielder Mr. Frank Onyeka—whose late strike in last month’s 4–0 group win over Benin secured Nigeria’s play-off berth ahead of Burkina Faso—also featured.

The Super Eagles enjoyed a dominant spell midway through the first half, during which Osimhen threatened repeatedly. The 26-year-old Galatasaray forward headed wide twice, then had an appeal for handball dismissed after a VAR review.

There was another VAR check on the hour mark after Nigeria full-back Mr. Bright Osayi-Samuel pulled the shirt of Aaron Appindangoye in the penalty area, denying the Gabon defender a chance to meet a free-kick. Following a lengthy review, Gabon’s appeal for a penalty was turned down by South African referee Mr. Abongile Tom.

The tense encounter was finally unlocked when Sevilla winger Adams intercepted a misplaced Gabon pass, rounded Mbaba, and finished confidently.

Gabon’s late equaliser carried an element of fortune, with Nigeria goalkeeper Mr. Stanley Nwabali seemingly set to save Lemina’s strike before it took a deflection and crept into the corner.

Nigeria’s three extra-time goals from Ejuke and Osimhen ultimately kept alive the country’s hopes of securing a seventh World Cup appearance.