The Super Eagles of Nigeria advanced to the CAF playoff final with a stunning 4-1 triumph over Gabon in Rabat on Thursday, thanks to an extra-time brace from Victor Osimhen, who rose above a lacklustre second-half performance.
The win sets up a battle with the winner of the DR Congo-Cameroon match for a position in the intercontinental playoff.
The contest had barely ended when Akor Adams took advantage of a sloppy back ball in the 78th minute to give the Super Eagles a 1-0 lead.
Gabon responded late in regulation through Mario Lemina’s deflected strike in the 89th minute, forcing extra time after a tense 1-1 full-time scoreline.
Gabon responded late in regulation through Mario Lemina’s deflected strike in the 89th minute, forcing extra time after a tense 1-1 full-time scoreline.
Extra time saw Nigeria assert their dominance. Chidera Ejuke restored the lead in the 97th minute with a clinical finish from Wilfred Ndidi’s setup.
Victor Osimhen then stole the spotlight, scoring twice in the first half of extra time. His first, a brilliant angled strike in the 102nd minute, made it 3-1, followed by a second in the 110th minute to seal the 4-1 triumph.
Gabon tried to respond with multiple changes but could not break down Nigeria’s resilient defence.
With this win, the Super Eagles’ path to the World Cup intercontinental playoff is now one step closer, as they await the result of DR Congo vs Cameroon clash for a chance to qualify.
Credit: The Sun