The Super Eagles of Nigeria have progressed to the final continental playoff stage of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers after defeating the Panthers of Gabon after extra time on Thursday at Stade Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco.

Being a one-legged knockout affair, the stakes were high, and interest grew even more after Super Eagles and technical crew boycotted training over unpaid wages. However, the three-time African champions showed little sign of distraction, if they were at all, as they took control over Gabon.

The first half was filled with chances, most of them falling to Victor Osimhen, who couldn’t find the mark.The game improved for Nigeria in the second half, as they took the lead through Akor Adams, who capitalised on the opposition’s error to continue his impressive break into the team.

The intensity remained in Nigeria’s favour, but Gabon found an equaliser against the run of play through Mario Lemina in the 87th minute. Nigeria then had a golden chance to win the game at the death when Wilfred Ndidi set up Osimhen in a one-on-one situation, but the Galatasaray striker directed his effort off target, sending the match into extra time.

Nigeria rose to the occasion in extra time, embarking on a rout that was ignited by substitute Chidera Ejuke, before Osimhen earned a bit of redemption by grabbing a brace to seal Nigeria’s passage to the next round, where they will face the Democratic Republic of Congo, who kept it late to defeat Cameroon. The match is scheduled for November 16, with the winner advancing to the inter-continental playoff for a chance at the 2026 World Cup.