AFCON 2025
Here are three takeaways from the Super Eagles’ 4-1 extra-time victory over Gabon, which sends them into the World Cup play-off final.
Nigeria beat Gabon 4-1 after extra-time to reach the final of the CAF play-offs for a place at the World Cup.
The game was 1-1 going into extra-time, but goals from Chidera Ejuke & Victor Osimhen put Eric Chelle's team into Sunday's final. pic.twitter.com/GFJqTo1zWY
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) November 13, 2025
1. The Attack is Great But the Defense Must Improve
Despite controlling the first half, Nigeria’s performance dropped significantly after the break, proving the team is still prone to lapses in concentration.
The defense deserves credit for successfully “containing” veteran striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with Benjamin Frederick and Calvin Bassey effectively neutralizing him throughout the match. However, the momentary collapse that allowed Gabon to equalize late exposed a vulnerability the team cannot afford in the final.
2. Osimhen is the Definition of a Game-Changer
Victor Osimhen had a poor outing during regulation time, squandering several opportunities and looking generally “underwhelming.”
However, the Galatasaray striker flipped the script in extra time, scoring a vital brace to seal the victory. His ability to suddenly produce world-class finishing under pressure proves that even on an off night, Osimhen is Nigeria’s indispensable match-winner.
3. Nwabali Scrutiny Won’t Fade
Stanley Nwabali remains under intense scrutiny. His “costly error” on Mario Lemina’s late equalizer, where he was beaten at his near post, will undoubtedly intensify calls for him to be dropped.
This lapse came despite an earlier VAR decision going Nigeria’s way, when Gabon was rightly “denied a penalty” after a lengthy review, meaning Nwabali’s blunder nearly cost the Super Eagles the game before extra time.
