2026 World Cup play-off: Osimhen’s brace for Nigeria sets up finals against D.R. Congo

Nigeria 4-1 Gabon (after extra time)

Victor Osimhen and the Nigerian entourage could not believe it when the star striker failed to score against Gabon in the 12th minute of extra time.

He was put through by Ejuke and failed to beat Loyce Mbaba as the goal would have ended matters.

The first semi-finals of the play-off had promised to be a cagey affair and it lived up to the billing.

After a goalless draw in the first half, both teams fancied their chances when the second half began. VAR ruled out a penalty when a Gabonese player’s shirt was pulled during a corner kick, much to the annoyance of their bench.

Nigeria’s Akor Adams capitalised on a sloppy pass from Appindangoye, which failed to find Mbaba. The Seville striker had the easiest job by slotting the ball into an empty net to give the Super Eagles a 1-0 lead.

Gabo, through Mario Lemin, scored on the stroke of full-time when his effort deflected off a Nigerian defender to beat Nwabali.

The game finished 1-1 with an extra time needed to determine the winner.

Nigeria’s experience and squad depth played a key role as Ejuke latched onto skipper Ndidi’s beautiful through pass to give Nigeria a 2-1 lead.

Victor Osimhen, who was having a bad day, scored twice to help Nigeria record an emphatic 4-1 win over Gabon.

Cameroon 0-1 D.R. Congo

In the semi-final 2, Cameroon lost 1-0 to D.R. Congo with the captain Chancel Mbemba scoring in the 91st minute to help book a place in the finals against Nigeria.

After a tougher contest, the game seems to be heading towards extra time. Cameroon had been under pressure before the game because of an unpardonable off-field issue.

D.R. Congo’s strength and aggression have made it so difficult for opponents to face them, and the Indomitable Lions were not an exception.

Cameroon, with Manchester United’s Mbeumo, Villareal’s Etta Eyong and Toulouse’s Frank Magri leading the attack, many expected them to at least score a goal for the Indomitable Lions, but Congo’s back four of Wan Bissaka, Kayembe, Mbemba and Tuanzebe were resolute.

Mbemba’s sole strike helped sink Cameroon and now will face the in-form Nigeria on Sunday.