Ogona Anita
Nigeria Super Eagle has advanced to the CAF playoff final after an impressive 4–1 victory over Gabon in Rabat on Thursday.
The win, achieved after extra time, puts the Super Eagles on course for a final clash against either DR Congo or Cameroon, with a place in the intercontinental playoff at stake.
The game started with both teams showing strong determination, but it was Nigeria who broke the deadlock late in the second half. In the 78th minute, Akor Adams pounced on a poor back pass from the Gabonese defense to give the Super Eagles the lead. However, Gabon refused to back down and found an equalizer in the 89th minute through Mario Lemina’s deflected effort, pushing the match into extra time.
During extra time, Nigeria took full control. Chidera Ejuke restored the lead in the 97th minute after a well-timed pass from Wilfred Ndidi. Moments later, Victor Osimhen took charge of the game, scoring two remarkable goals that sealed the victory. His first came in the 102nd minute with a sharp angled finish, and he doubled his tally in the 110th minute to complete the 4–1 scoreline.
The Nigeria manager’s tactical changes also played a key role. Frank Onyeka replaced Akor Adams in the 83rd minute to strengthen the midfield, while Chidozie Awaziem and William Troost-Ekong came on in the 108th minute to help preserve the lead. Despite Gabon’s late substitutions and attempts to recover, Nigeria’s defense stayed solid until the final whistle.
With this result, Nigeria moved a step closer to the World Cup intercontinental playoff. The Super Eagles now await the outcome of the DR Congo versus Cameroon encounter to determine who they will face in the decisive CAF playoff final.Sports.
