2026 World Cup playoff: Nigeria vanquish Gabon

News Update

THE Super Eagles have defeated Gabon 4-1 in their 2026 World Cup playoff semi-final on Thursday evening.

Nigeria qualified for the mini-tournament as one of the best runners-up in the main qualifying series.

Eric Chelle’s men finished behind South Africa who grabbed the automatic ticket from Group C.

Against the Panthers, the Eagles dominated the early exchanges of the game, but failed to find the goal that their dominance deserved.

They were also lucky not to concede a penalty, after Bright Osayi-Samuel’s tug on the shirt was scrutinized through the VAR pitchside monitor. But the referee decided not to award a spot-kick.

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In the 78th minute of the match, with Adams Akor opened the scoring after he pounced on a loose ball to score into an empty net.

But Gabon levelled 10 minutes later, as Mario Lemina’s deflected effort crept in past Stanley Nwabali.

Early in extra time, Chidera Ejuke finished off Wilfred Ndidi’s pass to restore Nigeria’s lead, before Victor Osimhen added a brace.

Nigeria will now face the winner between DR Congo and Cameroon, to claim the ticket to represent Africa at the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026.