Super Eagles outlast Gabon 4–1 in Rabat as Chancel Mbemba fires DR Congo past Cameroon to set up a high-stakes African showdown
Nigeria booked their place in Sunday’s CAF 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff final after a dramatic 4–1 extra-time victory over Gabon, driven by a stunning brace from Victor Osimhen in Rabat. The Super Eagles, chasing a seventh World Cup appearance, now face the Democratic Republic of the Congo for a coveted spot in next year’s six-nation FIFA inter-continental tournament.
The night had threatened to slip away from Nigeria when Mario Lemina’s late strike, helped by a cruel deflection, cancelled out Akor Adams’ 78th-minute opener with just moments left in regulation time. But the Super Eagles recovered swiftly, regaining control in extra time through substitute Chidera Ejuke, who netted his first international goal in the 97th minute to restore the lead.
From there, Osimhen took command of the contest. After missing a golden chance in the dying seconds of added time, the African Player of the Year redeemed himself brilliantly. He struck his first goal in the 102nd minute, finishing confidently across goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba after Benjamin Fredrick threaded a clever pass through the Gabonese back line. The Napoli striker then sealed the victory eight minutes later, bringing down a long pass and once again beating Mbaba with a composed finish into the far corner.
Nigeria had dominated long spells of the match, particularly in the opening half when Osimhen threatened repeatedly. He sent two headers inches wide and saw a handball appeal dismissed by the VAR team. Another VAR check in the second half also ended in controversy, as Bright Osayi-Samuel escaped punishment for pulling Aaron Appindangoye’s shirt inside the Nigerian penalty area, an incident that Gabon believed warranted a spot-kick.
The breakthrough eventually came when Adams capitalised on a sloppy Gabon pass, rounded the goalkeeper and slotted home. Gabon’s late equaliser briefly shifted the momentum, but Nigeria’s depth, composure, and superior fitness told in extra time as they surged clear.
Earlier in Rabat, DR Congo edged Cameroon 1–0 in a gritty semifinal defined by defensive discipline and heavy rain. Captain Chancel Mbemba delivered the decisive moment in the first minute of added time, turning a tense stalemate into a monumental victory for a Congolese side seeking just their second World Cup berth—their first since appearing in 1974 as Zaire. Cameroon, historically one of Africa’s strongest World Cup contenders, were left to rue missed chances, including a low effort from Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo that slipped narrowly wide. Andre Onana kept the Indomitable Lions alive with a strong save against Cedric Bakambu, but Congo’s late strike proved enough.
With Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia already qualified as Africa’s nine automatic group winners, Nigeria and DR Congo now stand on the brink of joining the final pathway to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Sunday’s playoff final in Morocco promises intensity, high stakes, and a place in a global showdown that will feature Bolivia, New Caledonia, an Asian representative (Iraq or the UAE), and two teams from Central America and the Caribbean.
For Nigeria, the mission is clear: one final hurdle remains. For DR Congo, history beckons.
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