World Cup Ticket: More Hurdles For Super Eagles Despite 4-1 Gabon Bashing
Nigeria took a significant stride toward reclaiming their place among football’s global elite as Victor Osimhen’s extra-time brace powered the Super Eagles to a commanding 4–1 victory over Gabon at Stade Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco.
The victory is a significant step towards Nigeria’s bid for the 2026 World Cup, which it last participated in 2018 when the Super Eagles were eliminated at the group stage.
With the victory over Gabon, Nigeria now move onto the CAF play-off-final against DR Congo which will take place on a neutral ground in Morocco on Sunday, November 16 to decide Africa’s sole representative in a further inter-confederation play-off.
The inter-confederation play-offs will be played in Mexico in March next year, with six teams from five confederations playing for the final two spots at the World Cup.
The Super Eagles will face DR Congo in Sunday’s final of the African play-offs. DR Congo eliminated the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon 1-0 in the second semi-final match.
The Super Eagles has had a turbulent campaign to the World Cup, but Thursday’s victory has restored hope of qualifying for elite football event.
The match began cautiously, with both sides probing but unable to break through in a cagey first half. Nigeria, still navigating internal distractions from a recent player strike over unpaid bonuses, looked determined to silence their critics.
Their breakthrough came in the 78th minute when Akor Adams capitalised on a defensive error to slot home from close range, sending the Nigerian bench into celebration.
Gabon, refusing to back down, found their equaliser four minutes from time when Mario Lemina’s deflected strike wrong-footed Stanley Nwabali in goal for Nigeria, dragging the game into extra time. But once the whistle blew for the restart, it was Nigeria’s composure, quality, and resilience that took centre stage, as the Super Eagles rose to dominate the decisive period.
Chidera Ejuke restored the lead with a composed finish before Osimhen—ever the talisman—took command of proceedings, netting twice to put the result beyond doubt. The reigning African Footballer of the Year celebrated passionately, urging teammates to stay focused on the bigger prize.
Defensively, the Super Eagles were solid and disciplined. Young centre-back Benjamin Frederick impressed alongside Calvin Bassey, containing the threat of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Denis Bouanga, who had terrorized defences throughout the qualifiers.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Super Eagles on their emphatic victory, urging the team to build on the momentum and stay focused on securing the World Cup qualification.
He praised their performance as a true reflection of the Nigerian spirit—resilient, adaptive, and determined to prevail. Commending the players, coaches, and technical crew for their commitment, the President said the win showcases Nigeria’s rich football talent and unity.
Tinubu also applauded fans at home and abroad for their unwavering support, describing their passion as a driving force. He encouraged the team to remain disciplined and consistent in the journey ahead.
According to President Tinubu, “This is the true Nigerian spirit of resilience against all odds. Do not stop until you secure a qualification. Super Eagles, keep soaring. The nation stands with you!”
