The modest crowd inside the Stade Prince Moulay Hassan were entertained in the first half of Nigeria and Gabon’s clash in the CAF World Cup play-off match.
Despite several chances and a contentious penalty shout, Gabon’s defence survived several scares but managed to starve Nigeria’s attacking intent as the half ended goalless.
Victor Osimhen drew a few saves from Loyce Mbaba, but the Nigerian talisman playing wide was a baffling look.
Super Eagles head coach opted for a 4-4-2 but morphs into a 4-3-3.
In defence Eric Chelle kept faith with Benjamin Fredrick and the 20 year-old did enough to keep Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang relatively quite.
Meanwhile, Center Referee Abongile Tom is having a fair showing, but has dished out cautions to Wilfred Ndidi and Aubameyang for infractions.
Second Half
The second half produced goals, but the sides could not be separated.
Gabon improved their performance in the second half, coming off the block strong.
However, it was Nigeria who would break the deadlock as Akor Adams (78′) intercepted a lose ball and slotted it into an empty net.
With a minute of regular time left Mario Lemina’s shot from range deflected off Bright Osayi-Samuel to level the scoreline.
Victor Osimhen was presented with a glorious opportunity to seal the game, but the Striker’s shot was off the mark.
Despite a 12 minutes added time following a prolonged VAR check and other stoppages, neither side could find the back of the net.
The game goes into extra-time…
Eric Chelle had made three changes in regular time, bringing on Moses Simo, Chidera Ejuke and Frank Onyeka for Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Akor Adams respectively.
Ejuke proved to be the gambit as he fired Nigeria ahead (97′), Ndidi provided the assist.
Moments later Osimhen (102′) made up for his miss picking up a pass from Fredrick after the CB’s brilliant run.
Osimhen got his brace (110′) to make it 4-1 and put some daylight between the teams.
Abongile Tom blew the final whistle confirming Nigeria’s progress to the final on Sunday.
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