By Frank Ulom
RABAT (CONVERSEER) – The Super Eagles of Nigeria have defeated The Panthers of Gabon after extra time to keep their 2026 World Cup qualification hopes alive.
The game ended Nigeria 4-1 Gabon, thanks to goals from Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke and Victor Osimhen.
The Super Eagles created most chances in the first half but the Gabonese players have their goalkeeper, Loyce Mbaba, to thank as he kept the game nil-nil before the break.
The second half started with Gabon pushing for a goal, but it was Nigeria who went ahead through Adams, following a bad back pass from The Panthers defender, Bruno Ecuele Manga, in the 78th minute. The Sevilla striker rounded up the keeper before finishing it off.
Gabon drew level in the 89th minute after Mario Lemina’s deflected effort beat Stanley Nwabali in the Nigerian goal.
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Osimhen had the chance to win it in added time but the Galatasaray star shot narrowly wide in the 90+12 minutes as Mbaba charged in.
The game went into extra time, and Nigeria took command of it after Ejuke scored in the 98th minute.
Osimhen then wrapped the game off in the 102nd and 110th minutes as Nigeria progresses to the next playoff round.
Osimhen would’ve gotten at least a hat-trick if he had taken his chances.
Nigeria now awaits the outcome of the match between Cameroon and DR Congo.
The winner would then move the intercontinental playoffs.
