By Amofokhai Williams
Nigeria’s Super Eagles demolish Gabon 4-1 after extra time in a pulsating World Cup qualification semi-final clash on Thursday.
The Eagles have now secured their place in the playoff final and will meet the winner between Cameroon and DR Congo on Sunday.
The match, held in Rabat, Morocco had fans on the edge of their seats throughout 120 minutes of high-octane football.
The first half was a tense affair, with both teams probing cautiously. Nigeria created early opportunities, with Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams testing Gabonese goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba, but the keeper made crucial saves to keep the scores level.
The half ended 0-0, leaving everything to play for in the second half.
Nigeria finally broke the deadlock in the 78th minute when Akor Adams capitalized on a one-on-one opportunity, firing past the Gabon keeper to make it 1-0.
Gabon refused to bow out quietly, and Mario Lemina equalized in stoppage time, deflecting a shot past Stanley Nwabali to force extra time at 1-1.
The Super Eagles were revived in the extra-time, scoring three more goals. Chidera Ejuke netted a superb strike in the 97th minute to restore Nigeria’s lead.
Osimhen, in a masterclass of poise and finishing, scored twice more in the 102nd and 113th minutes, sending the Nigerian bench into jubilation and silencing the Gabonese supporters.
Nigeria’s combination of tactical discipline, teamwork, and relentless attacking pressure proved decisive against a determined Gabon side.
