Osimhen Fires Super Eagles Past Gabon Into World Cup Playoff Final

13 Nov 2025, 19:20 by Ernest Victor · Naija News

Galatasaray forward, Victor Osimhen delivered when it counted as the Super Eagles of Nigeria stormed past Gabon 4-1 to book their place in the final round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs.

The Super Eagles had to dig deep after wasting several chances in the first and second halves. Osimhen, who missed two clear one-on-one opportunities, made up for those errors in extra time with two decisive goals that sealed the win.

The breakthrough came late in the second half when Akor Adams put Nigeria ahead in the 78th minute after a well-timed run into the box. Gabon refused to back down, equalising in the 89th minute through Mario Lemina, who pounced on a defensive mix-up to send the game into extra time.

That setback only seemed to fire up the Super Eagles. Second-half substitute Chidera Ejuke restored the lead in the 97th minute with a composed finish that sent the crowd into wild celebration. From there, it became the Osimhen show.

The Galatasaray striker struck in the 102nd minute after a slick passing move opened up the Gabon defence. He added his second eight minutes later, through a solo effort to make it 4-1 and put the result beyond doubt.

The win sends the Super Eagles into Sunday’s playoff final, where they will face either Cameroon or DR Congo. The winner will earn a spot in the intercontinental playoff in March 2026, a decisive step toward qualifying for the World Cup.