FIFA World Cup 2026 African Qualifier: Osimhen scores twice in extra time to help Nigeria beat Gabon

Victor Osimhen scored twice in extra time to help Nigeria beat Gabon 4-1 in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup African qualifying match on Thursday.

Nigeria will play Congo in the play-off final on Sunday. Congo captain Chancel Mbemba scored the winner in injury time to beat Cameroon 1-0 in the other semi-final.

Osimhen, the top scorer in the Champions League, struck in each extra half to complete the scoring for Nigeria. The entire play-off round will be played in Rabat, Morocco.

The African play-off winner will advance to the six-team intercontinental play-offs in March, which will send two teams to the World Cup.

Bolivia (CONMEBOL) and New Caledonia (Oceania) have already qualified for the play-offs.

The four teams in the African play-offs are the best-placed runner-ups from nine groups of the African qualifying event. Group winners Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia have already qualified for the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Nigeria last qualified for a World Cup tournament in 2018.

The match ended 1-1 after 90 minutes. Akor Adams scored late for Nigeria before Mario Lemina equalized with a deflected shot in the final minute of regulation.

Substitute Chidera Ejuke restored a one-goal lead for the Super Eagles before Osimhen took the lead.

Published on November 14, 2025