President Bola Tinubu has rallied the Super Eagles to remain resolute until they secure the qualification ticket to the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, after going one step closer with a 4-1 win over Gabon in the African playoffs on Thursday.

The Super Eagles left it late against the Panthers, needing three extra-time goals, including a brace from Victor Osimhen and Chidera Ejuke, to secure passage into Sunday’s final.

Akor Adams had put the Super Eagles 1-0 up in the 78th minute of regular time, but they were pegged back with just a minute left on the clock through Mario Lemina’s deflected shot. Ejuke restored the lead in extra-time with his first goal for Nigeria before Osimhen scored a brace to take his national team tally to 31 goals in 45 matches.

After the win, Tinubu took to his X account to hail the team’s spirit.

“This is the true Nigerian spirit of resilience against all odds. Do not stop until you secure a qualification. Super Eagles, keep soaring. The nation stands with you. Soar!”

Before the game, the Super Eagles had been rocked by a bonus row with the Nigeria Football Federation.

The players and officials boycotted training on Tuesday, limiting them to just one full session as a complete squad.

Nigeria will now face DR Congo/Cameroon in the final on Sunday, and the winner of that tie will advance to the FIFA inter-continental playoffs in Mexico by March 2026, when two more tickets to the World Cup will be up for grabs.

Nigeria are seeking passage through the playoffs after missing out on the automatic ticket in the qualifying series.