By Olukayode Olumuyiwa.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles stared down disaster only to deliver a sensational 4-1 demolition of Gabon after extra time. The victory sends the Super Eagles roaring into the CAF Playoff Final and tragically ends the World Cup journey for the Panthers of Gabon.
The semi-final was a cauldron of anxiety and elation, a perfect storm of late goals, crushing misses, and extra-time brilliance orchestrated by Coach Eric Chelle’s masterful substitutions.
Agony and Equalizer in Final Minutes
The path to victory was anything but smooth. After a tense stalemate, Nigeria finally broke the deadlock when Adams Akor found the net in the 78th minute. But the air of triumph was instantly poisoned when Gabon’s midfield general, Mario Lemina, delivered a gut-punch equalizer in the 89th minute, silencing the Nigerian faithful and forcing the game to be extended.
The emotional low point arrived moments later. With the clock winding down, the Super Eagles’ main man, Victor Osimhen, had the goal gaping—what could have been a simple finish from a golden chance he however dragged his shot agonizingly wide, an unbelievable miss that sent the contest into a high-stakes extra time.
The Tactical Tsunami: Chelle’s Game-Changing Moves
However, the extra 30 minutes became a display of Nigerian supremacy. The credit must go to Head Coach Eric Chelle, whose timely substitutions injected a fresh wave of pace and attacking intent.
The first payoff was electric. Substitute Chidera Ejuke stepped up to be the unlikely hero, scoring the goal that restored Nigeria’s lead in the 97th minute. In a moment he will never forget, this crucial strike was Chidera Ejuke’s first senior goal for the Super Eagles.
Redemption is a Double Strike
With the team now ahead, it was time for the star striker to complete his redemption arc. The world-class Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray’s goal machine) decisively banished the ghosts of his earlier miss, unleashing a spectacular brace of goals. His powerful double strike cemented the victory, putting the tie well beyond the reach of Gabon.
For Gabon, it was a night of heartbreak. Their talisman, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, fought hard but could not find the inspiration needed to save his side.
Final Duel Set for Sunday
Nigeria’s thrilling, yet turbulent, 4-1 victory now sets up a massive showdown in the Playoff Final this Sunday. They will face either African household names Cameroon or DR Congo, whose semi-final clash was scheduled to conclude late Thursday evening. The winner of the final will earn the right to advance to the final hurdle in the quest for a World Cup ticket.
Nigeria now awaits the final result of the Cameroon vs. DR Congo match.
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