Victor Osimhen struck twice as Nigeria beat Gabon 4-1 in extra time to reach the final of African play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria, who enjoyed the better of the semi-final tie, had seemed on course to win in regulation time after Akor Adams pounced on a poor back pass to give Eric Chelle’s side the lead in the 78th minute. But Gabon levelled in the 89th minute through Mario Lemina’s deflected shot to send the game to extra-time.
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The Gabonese, who were in the same group as Kenya’s Harambee Stars seems to have lost hope in extra time when Chidera Ejuke and Victor Osimhen struck in the first period of added time after the match to put the game beyond them.
The Galatasaray man grabbed his second goal of the evening five minutes after the extra-time break to make sure of victory.
Nigeria will face either Cameroon or DR Congo in Africa’s play-off final on Sunday with the two teams currently facing each off at the time of writing.
The winners of that match will then progress to a six-team intercontinental qualifier, which will be held in March and will determine the final two qualifiers for next year’s World Cup.
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