Victor Osimhen was the hero once again as the Super Eagles of Nigeria cruised to a 4-1 victory over the Panthers of Gabon after extra time, securing passage to the next playoff stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Thursday night at Stade Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco.

After a cagey first half ended goalless, Akor Adams opened the scoring early in the second half, capitalising on a defensive error to put Nigeria in front. Gabon fought back to level the score just four minutes from full time, sending the tense encounter into extra time.

Nigeria, however, showed their class in the added period. Chidera Ejuke restored the lead with a composed finish before Victor Osimhen took center stage, netting twice to put the result beyond doubt and seal a statement win for the Super Eagles.

At the back, the duo of Benjamin Frederick and Calvin Bassey put in solid performances to snuff out Gabon’s late advances, ensuring there were no further scares.

The win edges Nigeria closer to securing a place at the 2026 World Cup, following an earlier emphatic 4-0 triumph over Benin Republic — a game that saw Osimhen grab a stunning hat-trick.

Gabon, who finished second behind Ivory Coast in Group F to reach this stage, bow out of the qualifiers.

Nigeria will now face either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo on November 16, with the winner moving on to the intercontinental playoff for a shot at booking a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.