By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Super Eagles of Nigeria booked their place in the CAF playoff final with a thrilling 4-1 extra-time victory over Gabon in Rabat on Thursday. They will now take on the winner of the DR Congo vs Cameroon clash for a spot in the intercontinental playoff.
The match took a dramatic turn in the 78th minute when Akor Adams capitalized on a poor back pass to give the Super Eagles a 1-0 lead.
Gabon fought back late in regulation through Mario Lemina, whose deflected strike in the 89th minute levelled the score and sent the game into extra time at 1-1.
Once extra time began, Nigeria quickly regained control. Chidera Ejuke scored in the 97th minute with a precise finish, assisted by Wilfred Ndidi, putting the Super Eagles back in front.
Victor Osimhen then stole the show, netting twice in the first half of extra time. His first, an angled strike in the 102nd minute, made it 3-1, and he followed up with a second goal in the 110th minute to secure a commanding 4-1 victory.
Nigeria also made tactical substitutions to manage the game, including Onyeka replacing Adams in the 83rd minute, and Awaziem and Ekong coming on in the 108th minute.
Despite Gabon making several changes in an attempt to fight back, they were unable to breach Nigeria’s solid defense.
The Super Eagles are now one step closer to the World Cup intercontinental playoff, awaiting the winner of the DR Congo versus Cameroon clash for a chance to qualify.