Osimhen nets brace as Nigeria beat Gabon in World Cup playoffs | OneFootball

Nigeria set for playoffs final

Photo: Victor Osimhen

Nigeria secured their ticket to the African World Cup playoffs final with a narrow 1-0 win over Gabon in Rabat, Morocco on Thursday.

The Super Eagles forward Akor Adams, who plies his trade in the Spanish La Liga for Sevilla, broke the deadlock in the 78th minute.

However, Galatasaray midfielder Mario Lemina left it till late as he chipped in with an equalizing goal in the 89th minute, sending the Gabonese entourage into a delirium.

It was Sevilla striker Chidera Ejuke, who restored the lead for Nigeria in the first half of extra time, before talisman Victor Osimhen ensured a two-goal cushion in the 102nd minute.

Osimhen put the game beyond reasonable doubt when he completed his brace five minutes into the second stanza.

Eric Chelle's men will now face the winner of the late kick-off between Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the the final penciled in for Sunday.

The winner of the mini-tournament will represent CAF in the inter-confederation playoffs next year in March for a spot in the global showpiece co-hosted by USA, Mexico, and Canada.