Three extra-time goals, including a brace from Victor Osimhen and a strike from Chidera Ejuke, propelled Nigeria one step closer to the 2026 World Cup after they defeated Gabon 4-1 in the first semi-final of the African playoffs in Morocco on Thursday.

Akor Adams had put the Super Eagles ahead in the 78th minute of regular time, only for Mario Lemina’s deflected shot to equalize for Gabon in the final minute. Ejuke restored Nigeria’s lead in extra time with his first goal for the national team, before Osimhen’s double secured a place in Sunday’s final.

Despite being rocked by a bonus dispute with the Nigeria Football Federation 48 hours before the game, the Super Eagles showed no signs of weakness in the early exchanges against Gabon.

Zaidu Sanusi was first to test Gabon goalkeeper Marius Mbaba with a long-range free kick in the opening minute. Shortly after, Akor Adams went one-on-one with the keeper from a diagonal angle but failed to score.

In the 16th minute, Adams delivered a cross to Osimhen, whose header went wide after colliding with the goalkeeper. Nigeria began finding better chances in the 20th minute when Osimhen’s header from an Alex Iwobi cross forced Mbaba into a strong save. Two minutes later, Osimhen missed another opportunity after being set up by Ademola Lookman.

Mbaba was again called into action just before the half-hour mark, keeping out a ricocheted Osimhen shot. Nigeria appealed for a handball, but VAR ruled in Gabon’s favor. While Nigeria dominated possession, Gabon began settling into the game and launched a counter in the 36th minute, only for Sanusi to make a crucial block. Stanley Nwabali also made a key save from Royce-Drax Openda just before halftime, keeping the scores level.

Gabon started the second half on the front foot, winning a free kick within the first five minutes. Despite the delivery being cleared, VAR reviewed a potential shirt pull inside the box, eventually ruling in Nigeria’s favor. Coach Eric Chelle made two substitutions, bringing on Moses Simon and Chidera Ejuke for Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze.

Gabon’s early dominance in the second half failed to produce a lead, and Nigeria capitalized in the 78th minute. A sloppy backpass from Aaron Appindangoye allowed Adams to intercept and score into an empty net. However, Gabon equalized in the final minute of regulation time through Lemina’s deflected strike, forcing extra time.

During added time, Osimhen missed two key chances that could have sealed the game. But seven minutes into extra time, Ejuke converted a through ball from Wilfred Ndidi to put Nigeria ahead again. Five minutes later, Osimhen scored from the same angle to make it 3-1. Shortly after a brief scare from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Osimhen completed his brace with a trademark finish, controlling a long ball in the box before firing past Mbaba to seal a 4-1 victory.

Nigeria will face the winner of DR Congo vs. Cameroon in Sunday’s final, with the victor advancing to the inter-continental playoffs in Mexico by March 2026, where two World Cup spots for the USA, Canada, and Mexico will be decided.