CAF 2026 World Cup Playoffs: Osimhen Brace Fires Super Eagles Past Gabon to Reach Final
Victor Osimhen struck twice in extra time as the Super Eagles of Nigeria soared past Gabon 4-1 after extra time to advance to the final of the CAF Continental 2026 World Cup playoffs.
Sevilla forward Akor Adams opened the scoring with twelve minutes left on the clock after pouncing on a poor back pass from Gabon defender Aaron Appindangoye, rounding the goalkeeper and calmly slotting into an empty net to give Nigeria the lead.
However, the Super Eagles’ joy was short-lived as Gabon equalized through Mario Lemina a minute before the end of regulation time, forcing the tie into extra time.
It was in the additional thirty minutes that Nigeria truly found their rhythm and blew the Gabonese apart. Seven minutes into extra time, Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s lead before Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen delivered a stunning brace to put the game beyond reach.
Nigeria will now face the winner of the Cameroon and DR Congo semifinal clash for a place in the FIFA inter-continental play-offs, a final route to the 2026 World Cup in North America.
The 4-1 triumph gives Nigeria a renewed lifeline in their quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after missing out on automatic qualification.
The Super Eagles must now win the CAF playoff final to book a place in the FIFA inter-continental play-offs in March, where a World Cup ticket will finally be on the line.