Nigeria’s national football team secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff final after a commanding 4-1 victory against Gabon on Thursday. Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle expressed immense pride in his team’s performance as they executed his tactical vision perfectly.

Match Highlights and Turning Points

Sevilla striker Akor Adams opened the scoring in the 78th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error to slot into an empty net. Gabon responded dramatically in the 88th minute when Mario Lemina equalized, forcing the game into extra time.

The Super Eagles showed remarkable composure under pressure. Substitute Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s advantage early in extra time, finishing clinically from Wilfred Ndidi’s precise pass. Napoli star Victor Osimhen then sealed the victory with two decisive goals, completing a comprehensive 4-1 win.

Chelle Praises Team’s Resilience

Coach Chelle highlighted his players’ fighting spirit post-match: “I’m extremely proud of these players. They executed exactly what we trained for with incredible passion. Our key message today was unity – playing with heart and working together toward one objective.”

The victory proved especially impressive given the team’s disrupted preparation. Players had staged a brief strike over unpaid bonuses just 24 hours before kickoff, yet delivered a focused performance when it mattered most.

Ikpeba Hails Super Eagles’ Character

Former Nigeria star Victor Ikpeba praised the team’s response to adversity: “Despite the off-field challenges, the players reacted positively with a fantastic extra-time display. This momentum will be crucial for the final. Congratulations to the entire squad.”

Road to World Cup Qualification

Chelle’s squad now prepares for Sunday’s final against DR Congo. The winner will secure Africa’s spot in the March 2026 intercontinental playoffs, moving closer to World Cup qualification. Nigeria aims to channel their winning mentality against the Leopards.