The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured a 4-1 extra-time victory over Gabon in Rabat on Thursday, to advance to the final of the African play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The match ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, forcing the game into added time where Nigeria’s superior quality proved decisive.
The Galatasaray forward atoned for missing a clear opportunity late in regulation time by scoring a brace in the extra period. His emotional celebration after the first goal saw him remove both his face mask and shirt.
Nigeria will face DR Congo in the African play-off final on Sunday, November 16, at 19:00 GMT in Rabat. DR Congo advanced by defeating Cameroon 1-0 thanks to a stoppage-time goal from captain Chancel Mbemba.
The African play-off final is a critical step in a longer qualification path for the Super Eagles. The winner of the Nigeria vs. DR Congo match will secure Africa’s sole ticket to the subsequent intercontinental stage.
This six-team knockout tournament will be held in March 2026 in Mexico. It will feature one team each from the AFC (Asia), CAF (Africa), CONMEBOL (South America), and OFC (Oceania), plus two teams from CONCACAF (North and Central America and the Caribbean). The six teams will compete for the final two spots in the expanded 48-team 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Leave a comment