Nigeria ran riot against Gabon, winning 4-1 in extra time after a frustrating 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Akor Adams opened the scoring in the 78th minute for the Super Eagles after capitalising on clumsy defending by the Gabonese. But just when they thought they were headed for victory, Mario Lemina’s strike took a deflection and nestled into the back of the net, leaving Stanley Nwabali with no chance and forcing extra time.
Chidera Ejuke restored the lead for Eric Chelle’s men just seven minutes into the first half of extra time. The Super Eagles piled on the pressure thereafter, with Victor Osimhen—who had missed a point-blank chance late in regulation time—scoring a brace in the 102nd and 110th minutes to seal the victory.
DR Congo edge Cameroon
In the second semifinal match, Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo played a tightly contested encounter, but it was the Leopards who found the breakthrough late on through captain Chancel Mbemba, who netted in the first minute of added time.
DR Congo, who are chasing their first World Cup appearance since 1974, will now face Nigeria on Sunday for a place in the FIFA Intercontinental Playoffs for a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
The FIFA Play-Off Tournament will see six sides battle for the final two places at the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
It will feature two teams from Concacaf and one team each from the AFC, CAF, CONMEBOL and OFC, and will take place in March 2026 during the international fixture window from 23–31 March.
Of the six qualified teams, the four lowest-ranked sides in the FIFA World Ranking will contest bracket semi-finals. The two highest-ranked teams will enter directly into the finals, with the winners of the two bracket finals securing qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026.
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