What looked set to end in a tense penalty shootout turned into a commanding Nigerian triumph. In a dramatic finish to regular time, Akor Adams gave Nigeria the lead with a late strike, only for Gabon’s Mario Lemina to level the score with a deflected effort in the dying seconds, forcing extra time.
Once in overtime, Nigeria seized control. Chidera Ejuke, coming off the bench, quickly restored the lead. Then Victor Osimhen, Africa’s reigning Footballer of the Year and last season’s UEFA Champions League top scorer, delivered a masterclass scoring twice to seal a dominant 4-1 victory.
Nigeria now heads to Sunday’s African playoff final in Rabat, where they’ll face DR Congo, who edged Cameroon 1-0 in their semifinal clash.
The stakes couldn’t be higher: the winner will earn a coveted place in the six-team intercontinental playoffs next March, with two tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico up for grabs.
