Osimhen’s brace and a late-game blitz send Nigeria storming into the playoff final as the President hails the team’s courage, unity, and unstoppable drive.

When the Super Eagles took to the pitch in Rabat, they weren’t just playing for qualification — they were fighting for redemption. Ninety minutes and two extra-time goals later, they had delivered a performance worthy of the badge and the nation’s anthem.

Nigeria’s 4–1 demolition of Gabon in the FIFA World Cup Africa Playoff was pure spectacle: fierce, fearless, and fuelled by a refusal to back down.

After a tense first half, Akor Adams smashed in the opener in the 78th minute. Gabon clawed back with an 89th-minute equaliser from Mario Lemina, but that only lit the fuse.

Extra time turned into a Nigerian fireworks display — Chidera Ejuke reignited the lead in the 97th minute before Victor Osimhen took over, blasting home two goals in the 102nd and 110th minutes to seal the rout and propel Nigeria into the final playoff round.

President Tinubu: “This is the true Nigerian spirit.”

Back home, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu joined the celebrations with an emphatic message of pride and challenge.

“This victory is the true Nigerian spirit — resilience against all odds,” Tinubu declared through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

“You have reminded us that football remains one of our strongest symbols of unity. Do not stop until you secure qualification. Super Eagles, keep soaring. The nation stands with you!”

Tinubu praised the players, coaches, and the technical team for what he called “courage, balance, and precision,” adding that the victory “adds fresh momentum to our collective resolve to reach the World Cup.”

He also applauded fans at home and abroad whose passion, he said, “remains a powerful driving force for the players, especially in tough international moments.”

From Turmoil to Triumph

Just days ago, the Super Eagles’ camp buzzed with tension over unpaid bonuses and unsettled morale. But when the whistle blew in Rabat, all that disappeared. For 120 minutes, Nigeria rediscovered its rhythm — disciplined at the back, ruthless up front, and united in purpose.

Osimhen’s final strike sent the stadium into chaos — teammates, coaches, and substitutes poured onto the field as chants of “Naija no dey carry last!” thundered through the stands.

Across Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja, fireworks lit up the night sky as fans poured into the streets. On the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Way (Airport Road), Abuja, passengers in a Toyota Sports Utility Vehicle and Honda pick-up truck bantered a few minutes after Nigeria rammed in the second goal.

“Up Nigeria,” one shouted as they raced home to catch up with the match on television at home.

“I hope they have paid the boys o,” the man in the truck shouted back.

“Yes, we have settled that one,” a passenger in the SUV retorted.

One Step from Destiny

The Super Eagles now await their next opponent — Cameroon or DR Congo — for a final playoff decider that could punch their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With Osimhen’s swagger, Ejuke’s pace, and a nation’s faith behind them, Nigeria’s quest for redemption burns brighter than ever.

As Tinubu put it:“This is who we are — a nation that rises, adapts, and prevails.”

And on this electric night in Rabat, the Super Eagles proved exactly that.