THE Super Eagles of Nigeria scored thrice in extra-time to beat Gabon 4-1 in the first semi-final of the CAF World Cup play-offs in Rabat, Morocco tonight.
Victor Osimhen scored twice — both in extra-time after missing a sitter in regulation time — after Sevilla pair Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke had netted the Super Eagles’ first two goals.
The Super Eagles failed to take full advantage of a dominant first half and nearly paid for it as Gabon fought back after the break and forced 30 extra minutes.
Osimhen came close thrice in that largely one-sided first period, first heading off target under pressure off a Zaidu Sanusi cross in the 17th minute, then forcing the Gabon goalkeeper into a fine save with another header four minutes later.
The Galatasaray striker then miscued from close range after a pass from Ademola Lookman set him up.
As expected, Gabon were much more competitive in the second half, and they were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty after the referee was sent to the pitchside monitor by the video assistant referee (VAR) following a shirt pull.
The South African referee did not give the penalty, leaving Bright Osayi-Samuel, who was involved in the incident, breathing a sight of relief.
It was the Super Eagles who then took the lead in the 78th minute.
Adam pounced on a mix-up in the Gabon defence to round their goalkeeper and slot into the net after an underhit back pass.
Gabon then got a slice of luck of their own, as Mario Lemina’s shot was deflected off Benjamin Frederick past Stanley Nwabali in the 89th minute.
Osimhen afterwards missed an unbelievable chance to win it for the Super Eagles in the 12th minute of stoppage time, shooting well wide when one on one with the Gabon keeper.
The Super Eagles talisman made up for his incredible miss with two superb strikes in extra-time, first shooting low into the net from a tight angle after a brilliant run by Frederick, and then taking on the entire Gabon defence before hooking the ball home.
Osimhen’s brace added to Ejuke’s goal in the seventh minute of extra-time, which gave the Super Eagles a 2-1 lead.
The Super Eagles will play Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo in Sunday’s final in Rabat.