Victor Osimhen Nets Brace as Super Eagles Reach World Cup Playoff Final

Published

5 months ago

November 13, 2025

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Victor Osimhen Nets Brace as Super Eagles Reach World Cup Playoff Final—-Super Eagles of Nigeria beat Gabon 4-1 afte extratime to advanced to the final of the FIFA African World Cup Qualifying Play-off Tournament in Morocco on Thursday evening.

Goals fromn Sevilla duo Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke, and a brace from Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen sealed the win for Nigeria, keeping their World Cup hopes alive while ending Gabon’s dream of qualifying for the global stage for the first time in their history.

Nigeria started the game brightly, creating several early chances. Akor Adams came close in the third minute after capitalising on a defensive error, but Gabon goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba produced a smart save. Moments later, Alex Iwobi fired over the bar after good work from Bright Osayi-Samuel, while Osimhen also saw two big chances denied by the impressive Mbaba.

Despite Nigeria’s dominance, Gabon’s defence held firm, and the first half ended goalless after a cagey 45 minutes. The Super Eagles had two penalty appeals waved away by VAR following handball incidents in the Gabonese box.

Gabon started the second half stronger and thought they might have earned a penalty of their own when Osayi-Samuel tugged Aaron Appindangoye’s shirt, but the referee waved play on after another VAR review.

Head coach Eric Chelle introduced Moses Simon and Chidera Ejuke just before the hour mark to add fresh energy to Nigeria’s attack, and the substitutions paid off late in the game. In the 78th minute, a defensive mix-up in the Gabonese backline allowed Akor Adams to pounce and slot home for the opener.

Gabon, however, fought back and levelled in the closing minutes through a deflected strike from Mario Lemina. Osimhen missed a golden opportunity to seal the win in stoppage time, sending the tie into extra time.

Nigeria regained control early in extra time as Wilfred Ndidi surged through the midfield before setting up Ejuke, who calmly slotted home his first international goal to restore Nigeria’s lead in the 97th minute. The Super Eagles continued to press, and Osimhen made amends for his earlier misses by firing past Mbaba in the 103rd minute after a fine run from Benjamin Frederick.

The Galatasaray striker completed his brace seven minutes later, producing a clinical finish to put the result beyond doubt and confirm Nigeria’s place in Sunday’s final.

With the emphatic win, the Super Eagles now await the outcome of the second semifinal between Cameroon and DR Congo to know their opponent in the final clash on November 16.

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Ousmane Dembélé Hits Brace as Paris Saint-Germain Knock Out Liverpool from UCL

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1 day ago

April 14, 2026

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Ousmane Dembélé Hits Brace as Paris Saint-Germain Knock Out Liverpool from UCL—-Ousmane Dembélé starred with a brace as Paris Saint-Germain secured a 2-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield, sealing a dominant 4-0 aggregate win to reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.

The French forward proved decisive on the night, scoring twice to end Liverpool’s European campaign and send the defending champions into the last four for a third consecutive season.

Liverpool’s night was further marred by a serious injury to Hugo Ekitiké, who was forced off in the first half with what appeared to be a severe leg issue, raising concerns over his availability for the remainder of the season.

Manager Arne Slot made bold selection calls, leaving Mohamed Salah on the bench initially, though the forward was introduced early following Ekitiké’s injury and nearly made an instant impact.

Despite flashes of pressure from Liverpool, PSG remained composed and dangerous on the counter. Dembélé broke the deadlock in the second half with a fine curling effort before adding a second in stoppage time from a Bradley Barcola assist.

Liverpool’s hopes of a comeback were also dashed when a penalty awarded for a challenge on Alexis Mac Allister was overturned following a VAR review.

The defeat confirms a disappointing end to Liverpool’s European campaign, while PSG continue their title defence and will face either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the semi-finals.

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Ademola Lookman On Target as Atlético Madrid Edge Barcelona 3-2 on Aggregate to Reach UCL Semi-Finals

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1 day ago

April 14, 2026

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Ademola Lookman On Target as Atlético Madrid Edge Barcelona 3-2 on Aggregate to Reach UCL Semi-Finals—-Atlético Madrid booked their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals after edging Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate, despite a 2-1 defeat in the second leg of their quarter-final clash.

Barcelona made a blistering start at the Metropolitano, with Lamine Yamal opening the scoring early before Ferran Torres doubled their lead inside 24 minutes to level the tie on aggregate.

However, Atlético responded through Ademola Lookman, whose crucial strike restored his side’s aggregate advantage following their 2-0 first-leg win.

Diego Simeone’s men then held firm under intense pressure, with Barcelona’s hopes taking a major hit when Eric García was sent off for bringing down Alexander Sørloth as he raced through on goal.

Despite late attacking changes from coach Hansi Flick, Barcelona were unable to find the third goal needed to force extra time, as Atlético battled through a tense finish.

The result sees Atlético Madrid reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2017, keeping alive their dream of winning the competition for the first time in their history.

They will now face either Arsenal or Sporting CP in the semi-finals.

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