Super Eagles of Nigeria delivered a sensational performance in Morocco, thrashing Gabon 4-1 during their 2026 World Cup playoff clash on Thursday evening.

Two Sevilla stars Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke were both on target before a brace from Victor Osimhen saw Nigeria’s Super Eagles roared back to life in Rabat, turning a tense game into a statement win that sealed their spot in the next round, Footballrover reports.

Tough Start for Super Eagles Before the Breakthrough

It was a tight, nervy first half where both sides struggled to create clear chances. Victor Osimhen had the best opportunity — rising above his marker to power a header toward goal — but Gabon’s goalkeeper pulled off a stunning save to deny him and keep the game goalless.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 78th minute. A defensive blunder from Gabon gifted Akor Adams a chance he couldn’t refuse; the striker pounced, rounded the keeper, and calmly slotted home to give Nigeria the lead.

But the drama was far from over. Just as the Super Eagles looked set to see out the win, they switched off at the back. Lemina’s speculative strike deflected off Bright Osayi-Samuel and wrong-footed Stanley Nwabali in the 89th minute, dragging Gabon level at 1-1.

That equaliser came barely six minutes after Adams had been substituted for Frank Onyeka, leaving fans anxious as the game drifted into extra time.

Nigeria, however, found another gear. In the 97th minute, Wilfred Ndidi surged through midfield and released Chidera Ejuke with a perfectly weighted pass — the Sevilla winger made no mistake, slotting coolly past the keeper for his first-ever Super Eagles goal.

Osimhen Inspires Victory vs Gabon

The momentum stayed with Nigeria. Five minutes later, 18-year-old Benjamin Frederick won possession deep in Nigeria’s half, drove forward with confidence, and teed up Victor Osimhen, who buried his 30th international goal with trademark precision to seal a thrilling 3–1 victory.

Then came the moment of the night. In the 110th minute, a long ball found Osimhen again — he brought it down expertly with his chest, danced past two defenders, and slid the ball beyond the Gabonese defence and goalkeeper to complete his brace and make it 4–1.

Seven minutes later, he left the pitch to a standing ovation, making way for Tolu Arokodare and the victory was sealed in the end.

Key Takeaways from Super Eagles’ 4-1 win over Gabon

Akor Adams continued his impressive start to life with the Super Eagles. Recall that the Sevilla forward made a memorable debut against Lesotho, coming off the bench to help Nigeria seal a vital 2–0 win in the World Cup qualifiers.

He has now scored his second international goal in just three appearances.

Chidera Ejuke, Adams’ Sevilla teammate, made a remarkable return to the national team after enduring a tough year of injuries. On his first call-up since October 2024, he announced his comeback in style with a goal.

It was a special night for Sevilla — two of their players found the net for Nigeria.

Victor Osimhen maintained his blistering form in front of goal. After netting a sensational hat-trick against Benin, the Galatasaray striker followed up with a brace against Gabon, taking his tally to five goals in just two World Cup qualifying games and 31 goals for Nigeria.

Alex Iwobi reached a major milestone, earning his 90th cap for Nigeria — marking a decade of service to the Super Eagles (2015–present).

Wilfred Ndidi and Benjamin Fredrick both provided assists on the night. Ndidi set up Ejuke with a clever pass inside the box, while Benjamin’s precise through ball split the Gabonese defence for Osimhen’s goal.

The Super Eagles have now scored four or more goals in back-to-back matches for the first time since their emphatic wins over Algeria (5–2) and Zimbabwe (5–1) in the 2006 World Cup qualifiers back in September/October 2005.

With that result, Nigeria advance to the final round of the CAF World Cup play-offs, where they’ll face DR Congo, who defeated Cameroon by a lome goal for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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Last Updated on November 13, 2025 10:43 pm by footballrover