Osimhen doubles as Nigeria reach CAF World Cup final

Published: 14 November 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Star forward Victor Osimhen delivered a dazzling display on Thursday, scoring twice in extra time to secure a 4-1 semifinal triumph for Nigeria over Gabon and booking a spot in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) 2026 World Cup qualifying final against the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The Nigerian side now prepare to face a resilient DRC squad on Sunday in the Moroccan capital, with the winner earning a place in a six-nation FIFA inter-continental tournament scheduled for March. The African playoffs, designed to determine the continent’s final representatives, featured the best four group runners-up, offering an intense pathway to the World Cup.

In the other semifinal, DRC’s captain Chancel Mbemba became an unlikely hero, scoring in the first minute of added time to secure a dramatic 1-0 victory over eight-time World Cup participants Cameroon. The match was played under torrential rain in Rabat, further heightening the tension and drama of the encounter.

With Nigeria seeking a seventh World Cup appearance and DRC aiming for only their second—having previously competed in the 1974 tournament as Zaire—the stakes could hardly be higher. The upcoming final promises a thrilling contest, with both sides determined to etch their names in African football history.

The semifinal against Gabon showcased Osimhen’s quality and resilience. Early in added time, he narrowly missed a chance to give Nigeria the lead, firing wide with only goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba to beat. However, the 2023 African Player of the Year quickly made amends, scoring his first in the 102nd minute. After a precise setup from Benjamin Fredrick, Osimhen fired across Mbaba into the far corner, giving Nigeria the lead and sending fans into celebration.

Eight minutes later, he struck again, controlling a long pass before calmly finishing into the far corner to seal Nigeria’s passage to the final. His performance was emblematic of a player capable of delivering on the biggest stages, combining skill, composure, and lethal finishing in a high-pressure encounter.

The African playoffs are part of a broader qualifying framework for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With Bolivia and New Caledonia already securing playoff spots, Asia is set to be represented by either Iraq or the United Arab Emirates, while two slots remain for teams from the Central America/Caribbean region. European nations are excluded from this intercontinental path, focusing the tournament on emerging and underrepresented footballing nations.

As the final draws near, Nigeria’s squad has been lauded for its cohesion and attacking prowess, particularly the synergy between Osimhen and Benjamin Fredrick. Meanwhile, DRC’s narrow win over Cameroon underscored their defensive solidity and capacity to seize opportunities in high-stakes situations, setting the stage for a tense and captivating final.

The Nigerian team’s path to the final was marked by tactical discipline, sharp counterattacks, and moments of individual brilliance, with Osimhen’s double proving decisive. Fans and analysts alike will now turn their attention to Sunday’s showdown, aware that the winner will gain not only entry into the inter-continental tournament but also a significant boost in morale and momentum ahead of the global stage.

As Nigeria and DRC prepare to clash in Rabat, football enthusiasts across Africa and beyond eagerly anticipate a battle that could define the continent’s representation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With history on the line and star players poised to shine, the final promises drama, intensity, and the kind of moments that live long in football memory.