By Ben Efe 13.11.2025
Nigeria’s Super Eagles certainly did not let their fans down Thursday evening as they posted another world class performance and blasting Gabon with a 4-1 win in their FIFA World Cup qualifier play-off in Rabat, Morocco.
Nigerian football fans had their hearts in their mouth following the Super Eagles decision to sit out training on Tuesday and Wednesday morning, but at the Moulay Hassan Stadium, the Super Eagles dominated proceedings even as the first half ended with both sides playing safe.
The second half also dragged on until 78th minute when Akor Adams punished the Gabonese by capitalising a poor pass from Aaron Appindangoye to goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba. Akor tap on the ball, drove into the box and slotted in the first goal.
Just when the Super Eagles thought that was enough to see out the game, Gabon were given a lifeline when Maria Lemina’s shot was deflected into goal in the 89th minute, dragging the match into extra time.
But the Super Eagles were not yet done, substitute Chidera Ejuke restored hope in the 97th minute and Victor Osimhen who fluffed a few scoring chances during regular time took it from there.
In the 102nd minute Benjamin Frederick made a good run into the Gabonese area and spotted Osimhen who gladly received the pass and shot with his right foot into the bottom corner to kill of Gabon resistance.
Stanley Nwabali almost gave Gabon a way back into the game when he fumbled a with the ball on the goal line, he was nearly caught in possession by Denis Bouga who missed his sliding effort.
Then in the 110th minute Osimhen with an assist from Wilfred Ndidi, chested down and bulldozed his way into the Gabon box and knocked in the final nail that seal the fate of Gabon.
With the win, the Super Eagles can confidently wait for the winner between Cameroon and Congo DR to decide the final on Sunday.
