The old saying “the patient dog eats the fattest bone” came alive on Thursday night as the Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated the Panthers of Gabon 4–1 after extra time, securing their place in the final of the World Cup playoffs.
The Panthers started the match with impressive discipline. Their midfield controlled the tempo, the defense stayed compact, and their tactical structure frustrated the Super Eagles. Nigeria pressed hard but struggled to break through. Despite several half-chances on both ends, the first half ended goalless, with Gabon looking determined and organized.
The second half began with renewed urgency from Nigeria. Their pressure finally paid off in the 78th minute when a nervous Gabonese defender misjudged a back pass. Akor Adams reacted faster than the goalkeeper, rounded him elegantly, and slotted the ball into an empty net.
The 25-year-old striker, in only his second appearance for the national team, registered his second international goal—sending the Nigerian supporters into celebrations that felt like the game was already sealed.
But football is rarely predictable. In the 89th minute, Mario Lemina, the Galatasaray midfielder and captain of Gabon, shocked the crowd with a brilliant equalizer. His goal sent the match into extra time and reminded Nigeria that experience, not strength, wins battles that stretch to the final whistle.
Nigeria’s experience takes over in the extra time. In the 97th minute, substitute Chidera Ejuke—who replaced Samuel Chukwueze earlier—finished a precise pass from Wilfred Ndidi to restore Nigeria’s lead. The goal lifted the team’s spirit and tilted momentum permanently in Nigeria’s favor.
Victor Osimhen, who had struggled earlier and missed two clear chances, stepped up when it mattered most. First, he tapped in a low cross from Benjamin Frederick to put Nigeria 3–1 ahead. Minutes later, he showcased his trademark aerial power: controlling a long ball from Chidozie Awaziem before unleashing a thunderous strike into the net to seal the victory.
Osimhen, speaking after the match, revealed:
“I apologized immediately to my teammates because I realized that immediately I missed the opportunity the referee said we were going into extra time. I told my teammates that I was sorry and assured them that I would correct it in extra time”
Head coach Chelle also praised the squad’s mentality:
“I’m very proud of these guys because every time they stay focused on what I ask and what I want,”
With the 4–1 victory, Nigeria advances to the final of the World Cup playoffs, where they will face DR Congo on Sunday. Another high-stakes clash awaits as the Super Eagles look to secure their ticket to the global stage.
