Chidera Ejuke returned to the Super Eagles in style, leaving his mark on a dramatic night as Nigeria edged past Gabon 4–1 after extra time in the 2026 World Cup African playoff semi-final, Footynaija.com reports.
After a long absence from the national team, the Sevilla winger was handed a chance to make an impact, and he did just that, scoring his first goal for the country and helping the Super Eagles take control of a tense encounter.
The match had started cautiously, with both sides feeling each other out. Nigeria went ahead in the 78th minute when Akor Adams found the back of the net, only for Gabon to level just before full-time through a deflected strike from Mario Lemina. The game went into extra time, and that is where the Super Eagles truly came alive.
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Ejuke, brought on as a substitute, made his presence felt almost immediately. In the 97th minute, he latched onto a precise through ball from Wilfred Ndidi, finishing past the Gabon goalkeeper to give Nigeria the lead.
It was the spark the three-time African champions needed. The goal forced Gabon to chase the game, and set the stage for Victor Osimhen’s double, which sealed the 4–1 win.
After the match, he exclusively told Footy-Africa that while he is pleased to have contributed to the victory, his focus is now fully on the upcoming final:
“It feels good to get my first goal for the country, but most importantly it helped the team to win, and I will remember it for a long time. However, that game has gone,” he said.
“It was incredible, to be honest. We worked very hard. I am just excited I could contribute something to the team. To be honest, I just wanted to come in and contribute something positively, bringing my skill going forward and also helping the team to defend as a group,” he added.
With the decisive game against DR Congo approaching, the Sevilla winger says the squad is up for it.
“We are just very positive and excited going into this game (against Congo) and hoping, praying, by the grace of God we will come out with an outstanding game and get the victory at the end,” he concluded.
