Nigeria booked their place in the final of the African World Cup play-offs after a dramatic 41 extra-time victory over Gabon in Rabat a match that tested their patience, resilience and big-game temperament before they finally pulled clear.
The opening half was tightly contested. Nigeria controlled much of the possession, with Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams offering flashes of danger, while Victor Osimhen now leading the line for Galatasaray worked tirelessly to stretch the Gabon defence. Despite the pressure, Gabon maintained their shape and ensured clear chances were limited.
The game finally opened up in the 78th minute. A poor back-pass from the Gabon defence put Adams through on goal, and he calmly rounded the goalkeeper to give Nigeria the lead. It looked like the breakthrough that would send the Super Eagles into cruise control.
Instead, the tension escalated. In the 89th minute, Mario Lemina picked up a loose ball on the edge of the area, and his shot helped by a decisive deflection wrong-footed the Nigerian keeper, dragging Gabon level and forcing extra time.
Nigerias response was immediate. Chidera Ejuke, introduced earlier to add pace and unpredictability, struck in the 97th minute with a precise low finish after drifting inside from the flank to restore the advantage.
From there, Osimhen delivered when Nigeria needed him most. After a frustrating 90 minutes where little had fallen his way, he struck twice in extra time first in the 102nd minute with a composed finish from a tight angle, then again in the 110th minute after a well-timed move in behind sealing the victory and extinguishing Gabons hopes.
With a 41 scoreline that ultimately felt comfortable, Nigeria marched confidently into Sundays final, where they will face DR Congo for a place in the inter-continental play-off and a step closer to a return to the FIFA World Cup.