By Akinwale Kasali
It took 120 minutes of intense football action before the Super Eagles of Nigeria secured a comfortable 4-1 triumph over the Panthers of Gabon in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Playoffs to further keep its World Cup hopes alive.
The Coach Eric-Chelle team took the lead in the 73rd minute courtesy of Sevilla Football Club of Spain forward, Akor Adams to brighten Nigeria’s chance of playing in the African World Cup Playoffs.
Sadly, the joy was short-lived as Mario Lemina deflected, beating Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali for the Gabonese to get their equalizer in the 87th minutes.
Victor Osimhen broke hearts when he missed a last gasp golden opportunity which could have given the Nigerian side victory. He fired wide to extend the game into extra time.
In the Seventh minute into extra time, Chidera Ejuke scored to give Nigeria the lead, while Osimhen scored a brace to put the game beyond Gabon, securing a Final Spot for Nigeria.
Coach Chelle started the game with Nwabali in goal, with Fredericks, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Zaidu Sanusi in defense, while Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman in the midfield with Adams and Osimhen leading the attack.
With the victory, the Super Eagles await the winner between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroon in the African World Cup Playoffs, with the winner qualifying for the FIFA Intercontinental Playoffs scheduled for March 2026.
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