AFCON 2025
Super striker Victor Osimhen scored twice in extra-time as the Super Eagles thrashed the Panthers of Gabon to qualify for the final of the CAF World Cup playoffs.
The Galatasaray striker missed a glorious chance to seal the win in added time of regulation time but redeemed himself in extra-time after Mario Lemina’s equalizer eight minutes from time.
It was quite a one-sided affair at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat as the Super Eagles dominated proceedings but failed to hit the target in the first half.
After a lackluster display in front of goal in the first half, Nigeria eventually took the lead in the 78th minute.
Sevilla striker, Akor Adams pounced on a defensive error as he fired the ball into an empty to register his second goal for the Super Eagles.
A few minutes later, Galatasaray midfielder, Mario Lemina grabbed the equalizer off a deflection from Bright Osayi-samuel.
With seconds left on the clock, Victor Osimhen, one-on-one with the goalkeeper odd a through pass from Ndidi, fired off target as the match went into extra time.
The introduction of Chidera Ejuke and Moses Simon added more width to Super Eagles play and it too a few minutes into extra time before the the three-time African champions struck again.
Chidera Ejuke, the Sevilla forward received a brilliant pass from Ndidi and powered a low drive into the bottom corner to restore Super Eagles lead.
It was redemption time for Osimhen as Galatasaray striker, off a brilliant display from Benjamin Fredrick powered another low drive to put Super Eagles 3-1 up.
The 26-year-old bagged his brace as received a long ball from Chidozie Awaziem, powers his way in the midst of defenders before slamming the ball into the far corner.
The match ended 4-1 as the Super Eagles sealed qualification into the final of the CAF World Cup playoffs where they will take on Cameroon or DR Congo in the final on Sunday.
A win for the Super Eagles on Sunday will see them represent Africa in the inter-conferderation playoffs March, next year in Mexico.
