Victor Osimhen scored twice in Nigeria’s 4-1 victory over The Panthers of Gabon in the 2026 World Cup Playoff in Morocco on Thursday. Akor Adams gave Nigeria the lead 12 minutes from time and when the Eagles thought they had it in the bag, Gabon equalized through a shot deflected in by Bright Osayi-Samuel.
Osimhen had the chance to win it for Nigeria in the final moments of the second half but he fluffed his lines in a one-on-one situation with the Gabonese goalkeeper.
However, He scored two goals in the second half of the extra-time after substitute Chidera Ejuke had restored Eagles lead. The team will now face the Democratic Republic of Congo in the African final play-off for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after a dramatic late victory over Cameroon on Thursday.
A stoppage-time winner from captain Chancel Mbemba sealed a 1-0 triumph for the Leopards at the Stade El Barid, ending Cameroon’s hopes of returning to the World Cup and confirming that Manchester United star Bryan Mbeumo will miss the 2026 tournament.
In a tense and rain-soaked encounter with few clear chances, both teams struggled to break each other down as extra time appeared increasingly likely. Cameroon came closest in the second half when Mbeumo, in superb club form, was played through on goal but stabbed inches wide of the near post.
At the other end, DR Congo threatened through Cedric Bakambu, who forced a fine save from Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana, currently on loan at Trabzonspor. Theo Bongonda later fired over a promising opportunity for the Congolese.
