Morroco, Nov. 13th, 2025
Nigeria’s hopes of returning to the FIFA World Cup are still alive after an exhilarating 4–1 triumph over Gabon in extra time, with Victor Osimhen inspiring the Super Eagles to victory in Morocco.
The Napoli striker, who endured a frustrating 90 minutes, turned hero when it mattered most scoring twice in extra time to send Nigeria through to the next stage of the World Cup qualifiers. The Super Eagles will now face either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo for a place in the 2026 World Cup play-offs.
From the first whistle, Nigeria asserted dominance. Akor Adams nearly opened the scoring within four minutes, but Gabonese goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba reacted sharply to block his close-range effort after a long pass from Alex Iwobi. Osimhen, always a constant menace, came close twice in quick succession, forcing Mbaba into a diving save before steering another attempt wide.
Gabon survived early pressure and began to settle, relying on counterattacks led by Mario Lemina and Jim Allevinah. A flashpoint arrived early in the second half when referee Abongile Tom consulted VAR for a possible penalty after Bright Osayi-Samuel appeared to tug Aaron Appindangoye’s shirt during a corner. To Nigeria’s relief, no penalty was given.
The breakthrough finally came in the 78th minute. Appindangoye, attempting to play out from the back, misjudged his pass straight into the path of Akor Adams, who coolly rounded Mbaba to score into an empty net. But the celebrations were short-lived. With time running out, Lemina’s speculative curling shot took a cruel deflection past Stanley Nwabali, dragging the match into extra time.
It was then that Nigeria’s resilience shone. Chidera Ejuke restored the lead with a composed finish across goal, his first for the national team before Osimhen ln added two more clinical strikes to seal a memorable 4-1 victory.
For Osimhen, it was redemption in its purest form. Having missed a gilt-edged chance in stoppage time, the 26 years old responded like a true champion. His brace takes his tally to 11 goals in his last eight matches for club and Country a run that includes two hat-tricks and two braces.
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Osimhen’s display was a masterclass in determination. After a night of missed opportunities, he found composure when it mattered most, proving once again why he remains Africa’s most formidable forward. Nigeria’s extra-time resurgence showcased not just talent, but character, an emphatic reminder that the Super Eagles are ready to soar again.
With renewed confidence and momentum, Nigeria now turn their focus to the decisive play-off, determined to reclaim their place among the world’s elite at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.