Super Eagles Ratings: Who Played Best as Nigeria Beat Gabon 4–1 to Reach World Cup Playoff Final?

• Nigeria defeated Gabon 4–1 in extra time to book a place in the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff final, with Benjamin Fredrick delivering a standout 10/10 performance.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a hard-fought 4–1 victory over Gabon in extra time to advance to the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff final, where they will face either Cameroon or DR Congo. The match included late drama, a chaotic equaliser, and an extended extra-time flourish that saw Nigeria overpower their opponents.

Akor Adams thought he had sealed the win late in normal time before Mario Lemina’s stoppage-time goal forced the game into extra time. Substitute Chidera Ejuke, who now plays for Sevilla, restored Nigeria’s lead, while Victor Osimhen added two more to complete the 4–1 scoreline.

Stanley Nwabali earned a rating of 4/10 after a shaky performance in goal. Although he was unlucky to concede the equaliser, he struggled with composure throughout the match.

The star of the night was Benjamin Fredrick, who delivered a perfect 10/10 display. Whether deployed at centre-back or right-back, the 19-year-old consistently shut down Gabon’s threats—especially Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang—and later provided the assist for Osimhen’s first goal in extra time.

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Bright Osayi-Samuel had a difficult outing, nearly giving away a penalty and failing to clear the cross that led to Gabon’s equaliser, earning him a 4/10 rating. Calvin Bassey, meanwhile, delivered a steady 6/10 performance in defence, staying solid without being spectacular.

Zaidu Sanusi impressed early on with forward runs but faded as the game progressed, finishing with a 6/10 rating. Ademola Lookman, the reigning CAF Player of the Year, struggled to influence the match and was substituted after 60 minutes, receiving 5/10.

Alex Iwobi worked hard in midfield to disrupt Gabon’s play, earning a 6/10. Samuel Chukwueze, despite his energy on the wing, failed to replicate his previous form and was rated 5/10. Captain Wilfred Ndidi led with authority, putting in a commanding performance filled with key tackles and supplying the assist for Ejuke’s goal, earning him an 8/10.

Akor Adams scored Nigeria’s opener through relentless pressing and energy, finishing with an 8/10. Victor Osimhen redeemed himself after several missed chances, scoring two extra-time goals to take his tally to seven in the World Cup qualifiers and earning a 7/10.

From the bench, Moses Simon came on but failed to change the game, receiving 5/10. Chidera Ejuke made the biggest impact among substitutes, scoring the decisive goal and impressing with his movement and composure for an 8/10 rating. Frank Onyeka added stability in midfield with a modest 5/10. William Troost-Ekong and Chidozie Awaziem were introduced late and did not have enough time to influence proceedings.