The Super Eagles have qualified for the final of the Africanplayoffs for the 2026 World Cup. The team defeated Gabon 4-1 in the semi-final of themini-tourney at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat on Thursday. Victor Osimhen scored a brace, Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adamsgrabbed a goal each as Nigeria left their clinical best till late into extratime. The brace increased Osimhen’s tally with Eagles to 31, justsix behind Rashidi Yekini as Nigeria’s all-time goalscorer. Controversies marred Nigeria’s preparations for the match,with players boycotting one of their training sessions in protest over unpaidallowances. Despite the drama off the pitch, the team showed littletrouble when they lined up against the Panthers. Osimhen had three big chances within the first 30 minutes:One powerful header was parried by Loyce Mbaba, the Gabonese goalkeeper;another sailed wide; and he uncharacteristically swiped another opportunity offtarget. Akor Adam, who partnered with Osimhen in attack, also sawhis early effort saved by the impressive Mbaba. The Gabonese goalkeeper looked unbeatable until the 78thminute, when a loose pass fell for Akor, who raced past the Mbaba and placedthe ball into an empty net. The goal was Akor’s second goal for Nigeria, and the teamlooked set to progress into the final. But Mario Lemina struck back for Gabon in the 89th minute totake the match into extra time. Within another 30 minutes, Nigeria put three past thepreviously impregnable Gabon defence. Chidera Ejuke helped himself to his first goal for theEagles, and then came Osimhen with his match-sealing brace. Nigeria will face either Congo DR or Cameroon in the finalof the African playoffs on Sunday. The winners will clinch the sole slot to represent Africa atthe intercontinental playoff.
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