Osimhen Scores Twice As Nigeria Crush Gabon to Reach World Cup Playoff Final

Osimhen Scores Twice as Nigeria Crush Gabon 4-1 to Reach World Cup Playoff Final.
Ejuke and Akor Adams also on target in extra-time thriller.
Super Eagles advance to face Cameroon or DR Congo in playoff final.

Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen proved decisive as the Super Eagles of Nigeria cruised past Gabon with a 4-1 victory to reach the final round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Super Eagles had to fight hard after missing several scoring chances in both halves, with Osimhen himself guilty of two missed one-on-one opportunities. However, the forward redeemed himself spectacularly in extra time, netting twice to seal the emphatic win.

Nigeria’s breakthrough came in the 78th minute when Akor Adams finished off a quick attacking move to put the team ahead. Gabon, however, refused to bow out quietly, as Mario Lemina capitalised on a defensive lapse to level the score in the 89th minute, forcing the match into extra time.

That equaliser only reignited Nigeria’s determination. Substitute Chidera Ejuke made an instant impact, restoring the lead in the 97th minute with a calm strike that sent the crowd roaring.

From that point, it was all about Osimhen. The Galatasaray forward scored in the 102nd minute following a brilliant sequence of passes that sliced through Gabon’s defence, before adding a second eight minutes later with a sensational solo effort that left the goalkeeper stranded.

The dominant display means Nigeria will now face either Cameroon or DR Congo in Sunday’s playoff final. The winner will advance to the intercontinental playoff scheduled for March 2026, a crucial step toward securing a spot at the FIFA World Cup.