Idoma-born Akor scores as Super Eagles thrash Gabon 4–1 to reach 2026 World Cup Playoff Final

The Super Eagles of Nigeria stormed into the final of the 2026 World Cup African playoff mini-tournament after a commanding 4–1 victory over Gabon on Thursday evening.

Nigeria qualified for the mini-tournament as one of the best runners-up from the main qualifying series, finishing just behind South Africa in Group C.

From the onset, the Eagles dictated the pace of the game, pressing high and dominating possession. However, they struggled to convert their early chances and were fortunate not to concede a penalty after Bright Osayi-Samuel’s shirt tug was reviewed by the VAR. The referee, after consulting the pitchside monitor, waved play on.

The breakthrough finally came in the 78th minute, when Adams Akor reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box, slotting home into an empty net to give Nigeria the lead.

Gabon, however, equalized 10 minutes later through Mario Lemina, whose deflected strike wrong-footed goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to make it 1–1.

In extra time, the Super Eagles rediscovered their rhythm. Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s lead after combining neatly with Wilfred Ndidi, before Victor Osimhen sealed the win with a late brace that sent the Abuja crowd into raptures.

With the emphatic win, Nigeria now advance to face the winner between DR Congo and Cameroon in the playoff final — a match that will determine which team represents Africa at the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026.