Nigeria defeated Gabon 4–1 after extra time in Rabat on November 13, 2025, advancing to the final of the African World Cup playoff series. The Super Eagles now face DR Congo on Sunday, with a spot in the intercontinental playoff tournament — and potentially the 2026 FIFA World Cup — on the line.
The match remained goalless through the first half, but Akor Adams opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 78th minute. Gabon equalized late through Mario Lemina, forcing extra time. Nigeria responded with a dominant extra-time performance, as Chidera Ejuke and Victor Osimhen — who scored twice — sealed the win for the Super Eagles.
The victory sets up a high-stakes final against DR Congo, who defeated Cameroon 1–0 in the other semi-final. The winner of Sunday’s match will advance to the intercontinental playoff tournament in March 2026, where six teams from five confederations will compete for the final two slots in the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup.
The intercontinental playoff will feature one team each from Africa (CAF), Asia (AFC), South America (CONMEBOL), Oceania (OFC), and two from North and Central America (CONCACAF). Two seeded teams will await the winners of preliminary matches between the four unseeded teams. The two final winners will qualify for the World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Nigeria’s squad showed depth despite missing key players. Forward Terem Moffi was sidelined with a hamstring injury, while defender Felix Agu missed the match due to ligament damage. Head coach Éric Chelle rotated his lineup strategically, resting Osimhen during regulation before unleashing him in extra time.
The team also overcame internal tensions earlier in the week, when players briefly boycotted training over unpaid bonuses. The dispute was resolved ahead of the match, allowing the squad to refocus on their qualification campaign.
Midfielder Alex Iwobi marked his 90th international appearance, anchoring the midfield alongside Wilfred Ndidi and Samuel Chukwueze. Osimhen’s brace in extra time reaffirmed his status as one of Africa’s top strikers, drawing praise from fans and analysts alike.
Public reaction in Nigeria was overwhelmingly positive. Social media lit up with celebratory messages, with fans hailing the team’s resilience. President Bola Tinubu issued a statement congratulating the Super Eagles, calling their performance “a proud moment for the nation.”
Local media outlets praised the team’s tactical discipline and mental strength, especially their response after conceding a late equalizer. Analysts described the win as a turning point for a team still recovering from the disappointment of missing the 2022 World Cup.
With one match remaining in the African playoff series, Nigeria is now just 90 minutes away from a chance to return to the global stage. Sunday’s final against DR Congo will determine whether the Super Eagles continue their journey to North America — or see their World Cup dreams end in Rabat.
