"Nigeria and DR Congo moved a step closer to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup with close-run international victories on Thursday. In the African play-offs to reach the finals, the Super Eagles were taken to extra time by Gabon and The Leopards edged past Cameroon. In the Asian section of qualifying, the United Arab Emirates and Iraq remain level after the first episode of their two-legged play-off."
"Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen was among the culprits as Nigeria squandered a succession of chances before taking a 78th-minute lead against Gabon when Akor Adams capitalised on a misplaced backpass. One of Osimhen's club teammates, Mario Lemina, equalised in the 89th minute, but Chidera Ejuke struck during extra time and Osimhen followed suit twice as Nigeria won 4-1 to advance to the final on November 15, with the winners of that game progressing to the inter-confederation play-offs."
"Nigeria starting XI: Stanley Nwabali, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Fredrick, Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi, Samuel Chukwueze, Wilfred Ndidi, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams Nigeria substitutes: Maduka Okoye, William Troost-Ekong, Chidera Ejuke, Frank Onyeka, Tolu Arokodare, Bruno Onyemaechi, Alhassan Yusuf, Moses Simon, Amas Obasogie, Raphael Onyedika, Chidozie Awaziem, Olakunle Olusegun Gabon starting XI: Loyce Mbaba, Anthony Oyono, Aaron Appindangoye, Bruno Ecuele Manga, Jacques Ekomie, Mario Lemina, Royce Openda, Didier Ndong, Andre Poko, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Denis Bouanga"
Nigeria and DR Congo won close African play-off matches to move closer to qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Nigeria overcame Gabon 4-1 after extra time following a 78th-minute Akor Adams goal, an 89th-minute Mario Lemina equaliser and extra-time strikes from Chidera Ejuke and two goals by Victor Osimhen. Nigeria will advance to a final on November 15, with the winner progressing to the inter-confederation play-offs. DR Congo edged past Cameroon in their tie. In Asia, the United Arab Emirates and Iraq finished level after the first leg of their two-legged play-off.
Read at 101GREATGOALS.COM
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