In the semi-final against Gabon, Nigeria’s Akor Adams opened the scoring, but Gabon quickly equalized, sending the match into extra time.

It was in the added period that Nigeria took control. Chidera Ejuke put them back in front, before Osimhen netted two more goals to seal a 4-1 triumph. Fredrick, alongside Calvin Bassey, played a key role in Nigeria’s resolute defense, limiting Gabon’s attacking threats.

In a post on X, Oliseh praised Fredrick’s performance, calling him “the most influential player” on the field. He highlighted Fredrick’s impressive positioning, pace, decisiveness, and simple but effective style of play.

“I personally found Benjamin Fredrick to be the most influential player yesterday versus Gabon for the Super Eagles,” Oliseh wrote. “Always well-positioned, pacy, decisive, and played simply. Now let’s celebrate today. But from tomorrow, Congo needs to be our next victim.”

Read Also: Nigeria, Gabon Set for Crucial World Cup Playoff Clash

The praise from the former Super Eagles captain comes ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming clash with the winner of the Cameroon versus DR Congo playoff on November 16. The match will be crucial, with a place in the inter-continental playoff up for grabs for a chance to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

As Nigeria continues its World Cup qualification journey, Fredrick’s performance could prove pivotal in securing their spot at the global tournament in 2026.

Source: Punch

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Nigeria earned their playoff spot as one of the best runners-up in the African qualifiers, boosted by a commanding 4–0 win over Benin Republic, highlighted by a Victor Osimhen hat-trick. Gabon secured their place after finishing second in Group F behind Ivory Coast.

The winner of the encounter will go on to face either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo for a chance to reach the inter-confederation playoff, where a World Cup berth will be at stake.

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Gabon, under coach Thierry Mouyouma, have impressed offensively, scoring 22 goals in 10 qualifiers. However, their struggles against top-ranked African teams continue, with four defeats and one draw since Mouyouma took charge.

Source: Punch

The post Nigeria, Gabon Set for Crucial World Cup Playoff Clash appeared first on Afinju FM.

The Confederation of African Football confirmed this

Nigeria face Gabon in the first semi-final on November 13 in a match-up set to feature two star strikers, Turkey-based Victor Osimhen and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Marseille.

An Osimhen hat-trick against Benin Republic in a group match this month helped Nigeria squeeze into the play-offs on goal difference at the expense of Burkina Faso.

Later on November 13, at a different venue, DR Congo face Cameroon, whose eight World Cup appearances is an African record.

This semi-final is likely to involve Manchester United striker Bryan Mbeumo, whose brace against Brighton last weekend helped lift the Red Devils to sixth in the Premier League.

DR Congo are hoping to qualify a second time. The country was called Zaire when they featured in the 1974 World Cup, and three losses including a 9-0 thrashing by Yugoslavia.

Read Also:Commonwealth Sport Selects India To Host 2030 Commonwealth Games

The mini tournament winners advance to six-nation intercontinental play-offs next March at a venue to be confirmed. Two places at the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico will be up for grabs.

Bolivia and New Caledonia have secured places at the tournament, Iraq or UAE will represent Asia, and Curacao and Costa Rica are the frontrunners to fill the two Caribbean/Central American slots.

Source: Channels

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