Osimhen late show keeps Nigeria hopes alive
Nigeria will face either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo for a spot in the 2026 World Cup play-offs after it beat Gabon 4-1 in extra time.
Victor Osimhen scored twice for Nigeria in extra time, with Chidera Ejuke also netting in the additional period, after Mario Lemina's late equaliser kept the contest going beyond 90 minutes.
Gabon was let off the hook after four minutes when Akor Adams' effort was smothered by goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba after they failed to clear a long ball from Alex Iwobi, while Osimhen miscued a header from close range soon after.
The Galatasaray striker continued to be the biggest threat for the Super Eagles, first forcing a diving save from Mbaba after connecting with Iwobi's cross before failing to hit the target with an awkward strike moments later.
Referee Abongile Tom was sent to the pitchside VAR monitor in the early moments of the second half, with Gabon appealing for a penalty after Bright Osayi-Samuel pulled Aaron Appindangoye's shirt during a corner, but he opted against awarding a spot-kick.
Appindangoye was then left with his head in his hands with 12 minutes to go after his poor pass was intercepted by Adams, who took the ball around Mbaba before scoring into an unguarded net.
But Gabon's hopes of reaching a first-ever World Cup were revived when Lemina's curling effort was deflected past Stanley Nwabali at the goalkeeper's near post, while Osimhen then missed the best chance for a winner in the 12th minute of stoppage time as he shot wide after being played through on goal.
However, the Super Eagles managed to find their clinical edge in extra time as Ejuke and Osimhen both finished neatly across goal in the first half, before the latter scored again in the second additional period to secure victory.
Osimhen would have been fearing the worst after missing a golden opportunity deep into second-half stoppage time, but the 26 year-old found his shooting boots in extra time.
He has now scored 11 goals in his last eight games for club and country, which includes two hat-tricks along with two further braces.
Ejuke, meanwhile, scored his first goal for Nigeria as they look to reach the World Cup finals for the seventh time in their history, and the first since 2018.
