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Nigeria produced a commanding performance on Thursday evening as they sealed a 4-1 victory over Gabon in their African World Cup Qualifiers Second Stage semi-final clash.
The game, played at 17:00, saw the Super Eagles overturn an early setback to dominate proceedings, with Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams putting up standout performances.
Gabon struck first through Mario Lemina, who opened the scoring in the first half after capitalizing on a defensive lapse.
The early goal unsettled Nigeria briefly, and the match became heated with several fouls and yellow cards issued. Wilfred Ndidi, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and others found themselves booked as tempers flared on both sides.
Nigeria’s breakthrough came late in the game, sparked by super substitute Akor Adams, who leveled the match in the 78th minute.
Adams, introduced in the second half, wasted no time making an impact as he powered home a well-placed finish to bring the Super Eagles back into the contest. He struck again just 11 minutes later in the 89th minute, completing his brace and putting Nigeria ahead for the first time in the match.
With the momentum firmly on their side, Nigeria pressed for more goals, and the introduction of fresh legs made a major difference.
Chidera Ejuke replaced Ademola Lookman in the 60th minute and quickly became influential. His incisive run and low cross set up Ndidi, who assisted Nigeria’s third goal—finished brilliantly by Victor Osimhen in the 97th minute.
Osimhen wasn’t done yet. The Napoli striker showed why he remains one of Africa’s most lethal forwards by adding another goal in the 102nd minute.
This time, Chidozie Awaziem delivered the assist as Osimhen tucked home his second of the night, putting the match well beyond Gabon’s reach.
The emotional celebrations earned Osimhen a yellow card in the 103rd minute, a moment that reflected how much the comeback meant to the team. Minutes later, Ayotunde Obasogie also received a card from the bench, showing the intensity of the occasion.
Gabon made multiple substitutions in an attempt to wrestle back control, introducing Noha Lemina, B. Meyo, Didier Ndong, and others, but Nigeria maintained their grip on the game.
The Super Eagles’ defense stayed disciplined, and Frank Onyeka’s late yellow card in the 120th minute did little to dent Nigeria’s overall dominance.
Coach changes, tactical switches, and Nigeria’s relentless pressure proved decisive, especially in extra time where they outclassed their opponents. The final whistle confirmed a 4-1 scoreline, sending Nigeria into the next round with a statement victory.
This win marks one of Nigeria’s strongest performances in the qualifiers, highlighted by the attacking brilliance of Osimhen and Akor Adams, as well as key contributions from Ndidi, Awaziem, and Ejuke.
As the Super Eagles push toward World Cup qualification, Thursday’s emphatic triumph serves as a confidence-boosting reminder of the team’s potential and firepower.
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