Super Eagles Overcome Gabon in Extra Time Thriller to Reach Final

Super Eagles Overcome Gabon in Extra Time Thriller to Reach Final

By Niyi Busari 

Super Eagles booked their place in the CAF World Cup playoff final after a hard-fought 4–1 victory over Gabon on Thursday night in Morocco, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The encounter saw Nigeria dominate possession for much of the game, keeping the Panthers pinned in their own half. Sevilla forward Adams Akor finally broke the deadlock in the 78th minute, capitalizing on sustained pressure to give the Super Eagles a well-deserved lead.

However, Gabon found a way back into the contest just 11 minutes later when a deflection off a Nigerian defender diverted Mario Lemina’s shot past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, forcing the game into extra time.

Nigeria regained control in the 98th minute as Chidera Ejuke latched onto a precise through ball from captain Wilfred Ndidi to restore the lead. Star striker Victor Osimhen, who had earlier missed two clear chances, made amends late in the match with a brace for third and fourth goals that sealed Nigeria’s passage to the final.

The Super Eagles will now face the winner of the second semifinal between Cameroon and DR Congo in Sunday’s final, scheduled for November 16, 2025.