Nigeria strengthened their push for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday as Victor Osimhen scored twice to lead the Super Eagles to a 4–1 extra-time victory over Gabon, securing their spot in the CAF play-off final.

The Super Eagles had endured a difficult World Cup qualifying journey in CAF Group C, narrowly keeping their hopes alive after a dramatic last-day 4–0 win over Benin. That result lifted Nigeria above Benin on goal difference, with both teams finishing on 17 points. It also ensured Nigeria qualified as one of the best runners-up to reach this semi-final stage.

Gabon, on the other hand, comfortably finished second in CAF Group F with 25 points, finishing 12 points clear of third-placed Gambia and just one point behind group winners Ivory Coast.

In Rabat, both sides began cautiously, but Nigeria grew into the game, with Osimhen and Royce Openda missing early chances. The breakthrough came in the 78th minute when Akor Adams punished a poor back pass from Aaron Appindangoye to give Nigeria the lead.

The Super Eagles thought they had sealed the win, but Mario Lemina equalised in the 89th minute with a deflected strike. Osimhen then missed a chance to win it deep into the 12 minutes of added time, firing wide when through on goal.

However, he redeemed himself in extra time, scoring twice with composed finishes on either side of Chidera Ejuke’s goal, sealing a 4–1 victory for Nigeria.

The Super Eagles will now face the Democratic Republic of Congo who defeated Cameroon 1–0 in Sunday’s African final, with a place in the six-nation intercontinental play-offs next March at stake.

Two winners from the African finals will qualify for the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.