Live Updates: 2026 WC Playoff – Nigeria 1-1 Gabon
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83′
Nigeria sub: Onyeka on for goalscorer Akor Adams to strengthen midfield.
82′
Osimhen breaks through but lifts the ball wide; offside anyway.
78′ – GOAL!
Nigeria lead! Akor Adams pounces on a poor back pass by Appindangoye to break the deadlock.
76′ – Nwabali recovers quickly.
75′ – Gabon make a double change: Meyo & N. Lemina on; Openda & Poko off.
74′
Issue for Nigeria goalkeeper Nwabali, who looks unlikely to continue.
71′
Nigeria have weathered Gabon’s early second-half pressure. The first goal could prove decisive as the match enters a critical stage.
69′
Almost a chance for Osimhen as Sanusi swings in a cross from the left, but the ball evades the striker.
65′
Gabon win three consecutive corners but fail to threaten. Nigeria win a corner after Ecuele Manga cuts out Ejuke’s cross.
63′
More Gabon pressure forces Osimhen to head the ball behind for a corner.
60′ Gabon start the second half stronger. Nigeria make a double substitution: Lookman and Chukwueze off for Simon and Ejuke.
58′
VAR drama concludes after a lengthy review, causing an extended stoppage.
56′
NO PENALTY! Appindangoye’s shirt was pulled by Osayi-Samuel in the box, but the referee awards a corner.
52′
VAR review underway as the referee goes to the screen.
51′
Free-kick to Gabon after Openda is fouled by Sanusi. Ball is cleared, though Gabon appeal for a penalty.
56′ NO PENALTY!
52′
VAR review underway as the referee goes to the screen.
51′
Free-kick to Gabon after Openda is fouled by Sanusi. The ball is whipped in and cleared, though Gabon players appeal for a penalty.
47′
No changes at the break. In this one-legged tie, the first goal could open the game wide.
46′
Another ball issue halts play as the referee ensures it is replaced.
45′
Back underway in Rabat.
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HT: Nigeria 0-0 Gabon
45+6′ Frederick matches Aubameyang for pace to defend brilliantly. Gabon win a corner in the final action, but Nwabali clears safely.
45+4′ Lookman’s free-kick easily collected by Mbaba, reflecting a quiet half for the winger.
45+2′ Referee stops play to replace the ball before Nwabali can restart.
45′ Board shows six minutes of added time.
44′ Gabon nearly take the lead as Openda cuts inside and shoots, but Nwabali gathers at his near post.
43′
Yellow card for Aubameyang after a late challenge on Frederick.
42′
Still goalless as the first half nears its end.
40′
Nigeria almost break the deadlock as Osayi-Samuel finds Osimhen, but Mbaba cuts out the cross after a quick recovery.
38′
Play paused as Gabon goalkeeper Mbaba receives treatment for a thigh knock. Players use the break to hydrate and get instructions.
37′
Osimhen goes close, but his strike is deflected for a corner. Gabon counter via Aubameyang to Bouanga, whose effort is blocked.
33′
Adams clears a well-delivered corner for Nigeria. Gabon pressure eases after Aubameyang is penalised for a foul.
32′
Nigeria dominate possession, but Gabon win a corner to test the Super Eagles’ defence.
29′
Handball? Osimhen believes a Gabon player handled the ball during a scramble. VAR checks and clears the play.
27′
GOAL? Nigeria thought they had scored after a goalmouth scramble, but the referee rules no goal.
25′
Osimhen sets up Osayi-Samuel down the right, but the full-back fails to finish the move.
23′
Lookman drives forward and slips in Osimhen, whose shot goes wide while slightly off balance.
27′ GOAL?
Nigeria thought they had scored after a goalmouth scramble, but the referee clarifies: no goal.
25′
Osimhen threads a pass to Osayi-Samuel on the right, but the full-back cannot finish the move.
23′
Lookman finds space and slips in Osimhen, whose shot goes wide while slightly off balance.
21′ SAVE!
Osimhen rises above his marker for a header, but Mbaba makes a brilliant stop, conceding a corner.
19′ Osimhen returns to the pitch and immediately combines with teammates to spark a potential attack.
17′ CHANCE!
Adams crosses from the left to Osimhen, whose header goes just wide. He’s clattered by Mbaba and requires treatment.
15′
Play resumes after a brief VAR pause.
14′
Aubameyang’s cross is caught by Nwabali, who gives the ball back to Gabon. Oyono’s lob goes wide
10′
Osayi-Samuel races down the right; his cross reaches Iwobi, whose shot goes high and wide.
9′
Frederick calmly beats Aubameyang to the ball and clears safely.
6′
Bouanga makes Gabon’s first attacking move, but Osayi-Samuel defends well. Ndidi stops Bouanga from breaking away and is shown a yellow card.
4′ CHANCE!
Adams reacts first to a defensive mix-up by Gabon, but Mbaba rushes off his line quickly, narrowing the angle and denying the striker.
2′
Nigeria win an early free-kick. Lookman looks ready to take it, but Sanusi fires at goal, only for Mbaba to make a comfortable save.
1′
And we’re off! The World Cup CAF qualification play-off is underway!”
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Victor Osimhen and the Super Eagles of Nigeria continue their push for the 2026 World Cup as they face Gabon in a high-stakes qualifying play-off.
After finishing second to South Africa in their group, Nigeria now enters the play-offs knowing a win today will set up a clash with either DR Congo or Cameroon.
Stay with us for live updates from Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
The post Live Updates: 2026 WC Playoff – Nigeria 1-1 Gabon appeared first on Vanguard News.
