CAF Playoff Final: Nigeria Massacres Gabon 4-1 Despite Tuesday Training Cutoff 

By: Israel Adeleke

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that, despite the Tuesday training cutoff over unpaid bonuses, Nigeria has booked their place in the CAF playoff final with a thrilling 4-1 extra-time victory over Gabon in Rabat, setting up a showdown with the winner between DR Congo and Cameroon for a spot in the intercontinental playoff.

OTN News further reports that, the match which was played on Thursday, 13 November, 2025, had barely settled when Akor Adams capitalized on a poor back pass in the 78th minute to give the Super Eagles a 1-0 lead.

Furthermore, in a late bounce back that almost lead to regulation for the team, Gabon responded through Mario Lemina's deflected strike in the 89th minute with a goal, making it 1-1 full-time scoreline, forcing the match to entered extra time.

OTN News observes that, the extra time saw Nigeria assert their dominance with Chidera Ejuke restored the lead in the 97th minute with a clinical finish from Wilfred Ndidi’s setup.

Not over, Victor Osimhen then stole the spotlight, scoring twice in the first half of extra time. His first, a brilliant angled strike in the 102nd minute, made it 3-1, followed by a second in the 110th minute to seal the 4-1 triumph.

OTN News further observes that, Nigeria made several strategic substitutions to maintain control, including Onyeka replacing Adams in the 83rd minute, and Awaziem and Ekong coming on in the 108th minute.

Gabon, however, tried to respond with multiple changes but could not break down Nigeria’s resilient defense, making the Super Eagles’ path to the World Cup intercontinental playoff one step closer.

 OTN News, however, observes, that, the Super Eagle await the winner of the DR Congo vs Cameroon clash for a chance to qualify.