The African World Cup Qualifier playoff semi-final on Thursday saw Nigeria overcame bench unrest, off-field scandal, to beat Gabon 4-1 after extra time. So the Eagles will now face DR Congo for the final in Rabat.
The Super Eagles, who had protested the nonpayment of their dues by not training, were lucky to get away with a point after Akor Adams made a defensive error and scored for the 78th minute, but Mario Lemina’s shot that hit a couple of players was able to find the net just as the 89th minute arrived, therefore, sending the game into extra time that was held in the pouring rain, which both teams took turns in withstanding.
Chidera Ejuke got back the lead for Nigeria seven minutes into extra time with a calm shot after a wonderful assist from captain Wilfred Ndidi. Later, Victor Osimhen who had in the very last minute of the first half missed a golden chance to put the game beyond doubt, then stepped up and did it all by himself. The Napoli striker made it up to him with a brilliant finish from a very tight-angle before adding a beautiful solo goal to make the final score.
In the lead-up to this, DR Congo secured their spot in the final with a nail-biting 1-0 victory over Cameroon thanks to Chancel Mbemba’s last-gasp goal at the back post. The outcome put an end to the Indomitable Lions’ ambitions despite their record of eight World Cups.
So, first of all, there is a match between Nigeria and DR Congo to decide who will move on to the inter-confederation playoffs in March. That’s where six teams will battle to earn the last two spots of the 2026 World Cup that will be held in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
