The Super Eagles will return to the Stade Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan on Sunday to face the winner of Cameroon vs. DR Congo for a place in the FIFA Play-Off Tournament — and ultimately a shot at qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

Akor Adams broke Gabon’s resistance in the 78th minute, capitalising on a defensive mix-up to round goalkeeper Loyce Marcus Mbaba and slot home the opener.

But Mario Lemina pulled Gabon level in the 89th minute when his deflected strike wrong-footed Stanley Nwabili, forcing extra time.

Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s lead eight minutes into the additional period, smashing home after an incisive pass carved open Gabon’s defence.

From there, Osimhen took over. The Napoli striker finally converted his sustained pressure into goals, first with a poacher’s finish in the 102nd minute and then with a brilliant solo effort in the 110th to complete a dominant extra-time performance from Eric Chelle’s side.

Nigeria could have made it easier for themselves earlier. Osimhen sent a header inches wide and forced Mbaba into a sharp save, while the Gabon keeper also reacted superbly to prevent an own goal. In stoppage time, Wilfred Ndidi threaded a superb through-ball to Osimhen, who missed the chance to win it in regulation.

Gabon’s late equaliser temporarily shook the Super Eagles, but Nigeria’s depth, tempo, and composure ultimately proved decisive in extra time. Ndidi’s progressive passing, Ejuke’s direct running, and Osimhen’s relentless movement gradually overwhelmed the Panthers.

Nigeria now stand one win away from the March Inter-Continental Play-Off, where six teams will battle for two World Cup spots.

A victory on Sunday would move the Super Eagles closer to their seventh World Cup appearance in their last nine attempts, while Gabon’s hopes of a first-ever finals berth end here.

Nigeria will now face DR Congo in Sunday’s CAF World Cup play-off final in Rabat, with the winner advancing to March’s FIFA Inter-Continental Play-Off and keeping their FIFA World Cup 26™ hopes alive.

Kick-off is at 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT) at the Stade Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan.