Abuja, Nigeria – Jubilant scenes erupted across Nigeria on Thursday evening as the Super Eagles secured their place in the final round of the African World Cup qualifying playoffs with a resounding 4-1 victory over Gabon.
The match, a tense affair, initially ended 1-1 after regular time, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. However, the Nigerian side demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination in extra time, unleashing a devastating attacking display that overwhelmed their Gabonese opponents.
Three unanswered goals in extra time sealed Nigeria’s passage to the final playoff round, showcasing the team’s attacking prowess and unwavering commitment to securing a coveted spot at the 2026 World Cup. The victory was hard-earned, but the Super Eagles proved their mettle, dominating possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities.
Nigeria now awaits the winner of the crucial encounter between Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which will determine their opponent in the final African playoff. That match is slated to be played later today at the same venue.
The victor of the African playoff will then proceed to the inter-confederation play-offs scheduled for March. This final stage will feature six teams vying for the last remaining berths at the 2026 World Cup. Nigeria’s impressive performance against Gabon has instilled a renewed sense of optimism among fans and pundits alike, as the nation dreams of a return to the global stage.
The Super Eagles’ journey continues, and their sights are firmly set on securing a place at the World Cup.



