Nigeria’s 4–1 victory over Gabon in the World Cup Qualifier playoff on Thursday may have sent the Supper Eagles into the final round. Still, the win has sparked more sarcasm than celebration across the football community.
Played at the Stade Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco, the game ended in a flattering scoreline that masked another nervy and inconsistent performance from the three-time African champions.
After a drab first half, Akor Adams pounced on a defensive blunder to give Nigeria the lead early in the second half, a goal that brought more relief than excitement. But the Panthers of Gabon, refusing to be intimidated, levelled the score just four minutes from time, exposing once again the Super Eagles’ tendency to lose concentration under pressure.
With the game dragged into extra time, Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s lead with a fine finish, before Victor Osimhen, the team’s biggest star, finally came alive, scoring twice to seal a 4–1 win. Yet, many fans and analysts were quick to point out that the result did not tell the full story.
“Osimhen saved Nigeria, not the Super Eagles,” one online commentator mocked, noting that the team looked disjointed and uninspired for much of the match. Others described the victory as “deceptive”, arguing that the scoreline flattered a side still struggling with coordination and tactical discipline.
Nigeria’s backline, marshalled by Benjamin Frederick and Calvin Bassey, did manage to hold off Gabon’s late charge. Still, critics have questioned whether this same defensive setup can withstand stronger opposition in the playoff final.
The result propels Nigeria into the final round of the African qualifiers, where they will face either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo on November 16. The winner will advance to the inter-continental playoff for a chance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite the big win, football fans on social media have continued to taunt the Super Eagles, with some joking that “Nigeria needed extra time to beat Gabon”, a reminder that expectations for the star-studded squad remain far higher than their current performances suggest.
