Former Nigeria International Victor Ikpeba has hailed the performance of the Super Eagles in their 4-1 thrashing of Gabon in the 2026 World Cup Playoff taking place in Morocco.
The Eagles secure a place in the final with the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday, courtesy of the win. Akor Adams put Nigeria ahead in the 78th minute, but just as the Super Eagles seemed poised for a 1-0 win, Mario Lemina struck for Gabon in the 89th minute, sending the match into extra time.
In extra time, Nigeria regained the lead when substitute Chidera Ejuke scored his first goal for the Super Eagles after 97 minutes.
Osimhen, who squandered a great chance to win the match at the end of regular time, firing wide with only goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba to beat, atoned on 102 minutes, firing across goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba into the far corner after being set up by Benjamin Fredrick.
He struck again on 110 minutes, controlling a long pass before once again beating Mbaba with a shot into the far corner. Nigeria will play the Democratic Republic of Congo, who defeated Cameroon 1-0, in the African final on Sunday with a place in six-nation inter-continental play-offs next March up for grabs.
The two winners of finals in the tournament will qualify for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Bolivia and New Caledonia have already secured slots.
Speaking in Super Sports studio as monitored by Complete Sports after the game, the ex-African player of the year described said it was a fantastic night for Nigeria.
“Fantastic night and fans at home in Nigeria will really be proud of our boys. They ‘ve really made Nigeria proud,” he stated.
