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

Published

6 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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Anfield Showdown Brewing as Enzo Fernandez vs Dominik Szoboszlai Comparison Heats Up

Published

4 days ago

May 8, 2026

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Anfield Showdown Brewing as Enzo Fernandez vs Dominik Szoboszlai Comparison Heats Up—-A fierce online debate has erupted ahead of the Premier League clash between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC, with fans comparing the performances of Enzo Fernández and Dominik Szoboszlai.

The discussion gained traction after a stats graphic shared by Premier League India asked fans to pick between the two midfielders ahead of the highly anticipated encounter at Anfield.

Both players have made 33 Premier League appearances this season, but the numbers reveal contrasting strengths in their games.

Szoboszlai has registered six goals and five assists for Liverpool, highlighting his attacking influence and ability to contribute in the final third during the Reds’ European football qualification.

Enzo, meanwhile, has recorded eight goals and three assists for Chelsea while also dominating creatively with an impressive 24 through balls compared to Szoboszlai’s six.

The midfield battle appears even tighter defensively and physically, with Enzo narrowly edging duels won at 125 compared to Szoboszlai’s 124.

Enzo Fernandez vs Dominik Szoboszlai Stats

The comparison has sparked heated reactions across social media, with Chelsea fans pointing to Enzo’s creativity and all-round midfield control, while Liverpool supporters argue Szoboszlai’s energy, pressing, and influence in a title-challenging side give him the edge.

With both midfielders expected to play key roles when Liverpool host Chelsea, the online arguments are only adding more tension and excitement ahead of one of the weekend’s biggest fixtures.

As kickoff approaches, fans remain divided over one question: who truly has had the better season — Enzo Fernández or Dominik Szoboszlai?

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Alex Jimenez Frozen Out by Bournemouth Amid Growing Online Controversy

Published

5 days ago

May 8, 2026

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Alex Jimenez Frozen Out by Bournemouth Amid Growing Online Controversy—-AFC Bournemouth have confirmed that defender Alex Jimenez will not be part of the squad for their upcoming Premier League clash against Fulham FC following social media controversy involving the player.

In an official statement released on Friday, Bournemouth said the club is aware of posts currently circulating online concerning the right-back and has launched an investigation into the matter.

“The club understand the seriousness of the matter and it is currently being investigated,” the statement read.

As a result, Jimenez has been withdrawn from selection for the Fulham fixture while the club continues its internal review.

Bournemouth added that no further comments will be made at this stage.

The nature of the posts or allegations has not yet been publicly clarified, but the development has quickly generated attention online ahead of the club’s latest Premier League outing.

Further updates are expected as investigations continue.

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