2026 WCQ Play-offs: Super Eagles outlast game Panthers in Rabat rain to reach final

The Super Eagles of Nigeria advanced to the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa play-offs with a 4-1 triumph over Gabon on Thursday night in Rabat. Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke, and Victor Osimhen, who scored twice, were on target as Eric Chelle’s side claimed a well-deserved victory.

In the 78th minute, Akor Adams capitalized on an unforced Gabonese error to score, giving the Eagles the lead but Gabon’s Lemina struck late to level the score, forcing the contest into extra time.

Despite the setback, Nigeria showed character and resilience, taking control in the additional 30 minutes.

Super Eagles’ path to the World Cup opens up

Extra time belonged to Nigeria. Ejuke put Nigeria back in front after Wilfred Ndidi’s clever pass, before Benjamin Frederick set up Osimhen for his 30th and 31st goals for the national team. 

The victory sends the Super Eagles into Sunday’s final against either Cameroon or DR Congo, with a place in the intercontinental play-offs up for grabs. 

Osimhen makes it 3-1 for Nigeria 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/bqON51IrR3

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 13, 2025

The last World Cup appearance for Nigeria was in 2018, and a win in the upcoming final would bring them closer to the expanded 48-team 2026 tournament, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The intercontinental play-offs, officially the FIFA World Cup 26 Play-Off Tournament, will decide the final two spots for the tournament. Scheduled for March 2026 in North America, the matches will take place across two venues in Mexico, giving Nigeria a clear pathway to secure a spot on the world stage once again.