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.
