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

Published

7 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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BREAKING: Vinícius Rescues Brazil as Morocco Hold Selecao to Thrilling World Cup Opener

Published

2 days ago

June 14, 2026

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BREAKING: Vinícius Rescues Brazil as Morocco Hold Selecao to Thrilling World Cup Opener—-Morocco stunned the five-time champions with an early breakthrough before Vinícius Júnior’s moment of brilliance earned Brazil a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Group C.

Brazil were forced to settle for a point in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a spirited Morocco side held the South American giants to a 1-1 draw in a captivating Group C encounter at MetLife Stadium.

The Atlas Lions struck first in the 21st minute when Ismael Saibari latched onto a perfectly weighted pass from Brahim Díaz before calmly lifting the ball over goalkeeper Alisson Becker to give Morocco a deserved lead. The African side’s intensity and organization troubled Brazil throughout the opening stages.

Brazil responded through their star man Vinícius Júnior, who produced a moment of individual brilliance in the 32nd minute. The Real Madrid winger drove into the box and unleashed a powerful finish beyond Yassine Bounou to restore parity and ignite the Brazilian supporters.

Despite enjoying more possession after the break, Brazil struggled to break down a disciplined Moroccan defence. Morocco, meanwhile, continued to threaten on the counterattack and arguably created the clearer opportunities in the closing stages.

The result leaves Group C finely poised, with both teams earning a valuable point in what was billed as one of the most anticipated fixtures of the opening round. While Brazil avoided an early setback thanks to Vinícius’ heroics, Morocco once again demonstrated why they remain one of the most dangerous sides on the international stage.

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BREAKING: PSG Retain Champions League Title After Penalty Shootout Victory Over Arsenal

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2 weeks ago

May 30, 2026

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BREAKING: PSG Retain Champions League Title After Penalty Shootout Victory Over Arsenal—-French champions edge Gunners 4-3 on penalties in Budapest to secure back-to-back European crowns.

Paris Saint-Germain successfully defended their UEFA Champions League title after defeating Arsenal 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the final at Budapest’s Puskás Aréna. PSG became only the second club in the modern Champions League era to retain the trophy in successive seasons.

Arsenal made the perfect start to the final when Kai Havertz fired the Premier League champions into an early lead in the sixth minute, giving Mikel Arteta’s side hope of winning the club’s first-ever Champions League title.

The holders responded in the second half, with Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé converting a penalty in the 65th minute after a foul on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, bringing PSG level and setting up a tense finish.

Neither side could find a winner during the remainder of normal time or extra time, forcing the final into a dramatic penalty shootout. PSG held their nerve from the spot, while Arsenal defender Gabriel missed the decisive penalty, blasting his effort over the crossbar.

The victory caps another remarkable European campaign for Luis Enrique’s side, who reached the final after eliminating FC Bayern Munich in the semi-finals and entered the showpiece as defending champions.

For Arsenal, the defeat is a heartbreaking end to an otherwise historic season. Arteta’s men arrived in Budapest having won their first Premier League title in 22 years and reached their first Champions League final since 2006, but they fell just short of completing a memorable double.

PSG’s triumph further cements their place among Europe’s elite, while Arsenal will be left to reflect on a campaign that brought domestic glory but ended in European heartbreak.

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