Nigeria's World Cup hopes are on the cusp of being realized as star striker Victor Osimhen has led his team to a thrilling semifinal victory over Gabon. The 26-year-old Galatasaray forward scored twice in extra time, securing a 4-1 win and setting up a Confederation of African Football (CAF) 2026 World Cup qualifying final against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In front of a packed crowd at the Moroccan capital, Nigeria's captain Chancel Mbemba was the Congolese hero in their second semifinal clash, scoring in the first minute of added time to beat Cameroon 1-0. The tense showdown was finally broken by Akor Adams' interception and subsequent goal, which denied Gabon a deserving draw.
The game was marked by several close calls, including Osimhen's own missed chance at the end of extra time when he squandered a great opportunity to seal victory with only goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba to beat. However, the 2023 African Player of the Year redeemed himself on 102 minutes, firing across Mbaba into the far corner after being set up by Benjamin Fredrick.
In what was a purple patch for Nigeria midway through the opening half, Osimhen came close three times to breaking the deadlock. The striker headed wide twice and had an appeal for handball turned down after a VAR review. His teammate Chidera Ejuke struck late on to seal the win, with substitute Alex Iwobi playing a crucial role in the victory.
Nigeria will now face DRC on Sunday in Morocco, where the winners will secure places at the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Central African nation is seeking its second appearance at the global tournament, having played in the 1974 edition as Zaire.
With just six world ranking places separating Cameroon and DRC, their clash was expected to be a close encounter. However, it ultimately ended with little clear-cut scoring chance before Mbemba struck. Cameroon's Bryan Mbeumo had the best opportunity midway through the second half but saw his low shot just off target.
The winners of the two finals will secure places at the World Cup, with the African playoffs involving the four lowest-ranked teams. Europe are excluded from the competition, leaving Asia and Central America/Caribbean regions to complete their representation.
In front of a packed crowd at the Moroccan capital, Nigeria's captain Chancel Mbemba was the Congolese hero in their second semifinal clash, scoring in the first minute of added time to beat Cameroon 1-0. The tense showdown was finally broken by Akor Adams' interception and subsequent goal, which denied Gabon a deserving draw.
The game was marked by several close calls, including Osimhen's own missed chance at the end of extra time when he squandered a great opportunity to seal victory with only goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba to beat. However, the 2023 African Player of the Year redeemed himself on 102 minutes, firing across Mbaba into the far corner after being set up by Benjamin Fredrick.
In what was a purple patch for Nigeria midway through the opening half, Osimhen came close three times to breaking the deadlock. The striker headed wide twice and had an appeal for handball turned down after a VAR review. His teammate Chidera Ejuke struck late on to seal the win, with substitute Alex Iwobi playing a crucial role in the victory.
Nigeria will now face DRC on Sunday in Morocco, where the winners will secure places at the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Central African nation is seeking its second appearance at the global tournament, having played in the 1974 edition as Zaire.
With just six world ranking places separating Cameroon and DRC, their clash was expected to be a close encounter. However, it ultimately ended with little clear-cut scoring chance before Mbemba struck. Cameroon's Bryan Mbeumo had the best opportunity midway through the second half but saw his low shot just off target.
The winners of the two finals will secure places at the World Cup, with the African playoffs involving the four lowest-ranked teams. Europe are excluded from the competition, leaving Asia and Central America/Caribbean regions to complete their representation.
what's up with Nigeria's team being so inconsistent? one minute they're leading 4-1 in a World Cup semifinal and the next they're getting thrashed 0-1 against Cameroon. Osimhen is supposed to be the star striker but he's having a major meltdown now. 
I need to see more concrete evidence of his skill and not just his luck with scoring goals. And what's with Chancel Mbemba's heroics? was it a fluke or did he really deserve that win against Cameroon? 
Victor Osimhen is on FIRE right now! His two goals in extra time sealed the deal for Nigeria, and I'm loving every minute of it 
. The way he scored that second goal was pure magic 
. And what a game from Chancel Mbemba, too - his late winner against Cameroon was so clutch! 
. Now, let's see if Nigeria can carry this momentum into the final... and hopefully make some noise in the World Cup 
. Also, just saw that DRC is looking tough for their semifinal match on Sunday... wish them luck! 
, I mean, who else can score twice in extra time? 
, he's always the unsung hero. Cameroon vs DRC is gonna be a tough game, but Nigeria's got this 
! We're one step closer to the World Cup 
and I'm beyond hyped 
. Galatasaray's Osimhen is definitely the MVP of this tournament 
️, can't wait to see what he does next 
!
! Victor Osimhen's incredible performance in the semifinal against Gabon has all but sealed their spot at the 2026 World Cup 
Still, I'm thoroughly enjoying this wild ride and can't wait to see how it all unfolds come Sunday.
Nigeria's doing so well! it feels like we're back in '86 when they won that afro cup 
. anyway, fingers crossed for nigeria against dr congo on sunday, let's see them bring home that world cup spot 
️ can't wait to see what happens in the final against the drc, it's gonna be so intense 
! 
. I'm so hyped for the next match against DRC 
!