Nigeria’s World Cup campaign roared back to life on Thursday night after Victor Osimhen produced a dominant extra-time performance, scoring twice as the Super Eagles overpowered Gabon 4-1 in Rabat. What began as a tense, grinding semifinal playoff turned into a statement victory built on resilience, late composure and the sheer force of Nigeria’s No 9.

The breakthrough arrived in the 78th minute. Akor Adams, starting ahead of the injured Victor Boniface, punished a sloppy Gabon back pass and curled his finish low beyond the keeper. Nigeria looked set to close it out until Mario Lemina stunned the Super Eagles with an 89th-minute equaliser — a deflected strike that caught Stanley Nwabali flat-footed and sent the match spiralling into extra time.

Those final 30 minutes, however, belonged entirely to Nigeria.

Chidera Ejuke restored control in the 96th minute, weaving through two defenders before firing in at the near post. The goal broke Gabon’s structure, and from there Osimhen took over with the icy calm of a striker built for decisive moments.

His first came in the 102nd minute — a blistering run into the right channel, a feint, and a ruthless finish from a tight angle. His second, at 110 minutes, felt like classic Osimhen: chest control, quick adjustment, and a clean hit that left the goalkeeper rooted.

By then, Gabon were spent. Nigeria simply managed out the final minutes, turning a nervy night into one of their most convincing performances of the qualifying campaign.

The win pushes Nigeria into the final playoff round against either Cameroon or DR Congo, with the last World Cup slot for Africa on the line. After weeks of pressure and criticism, the Super Eagles finally delivered a performance with authority, tempo and clarity. And at the centre of it all was Osimhen, reminding the continent why he remains one of the most feared forwards in world football.