Nigeria vs Gabon: Super Eagles player ratings as Frederick proves world class potential and Osimhen redeems himself

Which Super Eagles star was the best performer as Nigeria defeated Gabon to seal a place at the World Cup qualifying playoff final? Nigeria’s Super Eagles did it the hard way against Gabon after winning the tie 4-1 in extra time to set up a 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff final against either Cameroon or DR Congo. Akor Adams thought he had given the Super Eagles the victory with a late goal, but an even later equaliser from Mario Lemina sent the game into extra time. Substitute Chidera Ejuke scored the eventual winning goal, while Victor Osimhen added two more to seal a 4-1 victory in extra time. Stanley Nwabali 4/10 Stanley Nwabali was unlucky to concede Gabon’s late equaliser, but could easily have cost the Super Eagles on numerous other occasions. Despite having little to do, Nwabali still looked shaky in goal and his lack of composure appears to be a recurring problem. Benjamin Fredrick 10/10 Whether at centre-back, or right back, Benjamin Frederick was a rock in defence for Nigeria, cleaning up at the back several times, and saving the Super Eagles from the willes of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang. Not satisfied with being Nigeria’s best performer in defence, Frederick then added an attacking contribution, setting up Osimhen’s first goal in extra time for a perfect 10/10 performance. Bright Osayi-Samuel 4/10 The Birmingham defender had a disastrous outing and was lucky not to gift Gabon a penalty after being saved by a VAR review. Osayi-Samuel was also at fault for Gabon's equaliser after failing to properly clear a cross into the area, with his attempted header falling to an unmarked Mario Lemina in the penalty box. Calvin Bassey 6/10 Calvin Bassey had a quiet game at centre-back as Frederick took most of the shine in defence for the Super Eagles. Still, the Fuham defender hardly put a foot wrong and did just enough to fly under the radar. Zaidu Sanusi 6/10 Porto full-back Zaidu Sanusi started the game well and was a threat going forward, but tapered off as the game wore off and his duties turned more defensive. With the introduction of Moses Simon, Sanusi was forced to focus on stopping Gabon's attacks and failed to influence the game after. Ademola Lookman 5/10 The 2024 CAF Player of the Year looked out of sorts once again for Nigeria, as he was unable to influence the game before being substituted in the 60th minute. Alex Iwobi 6/10 This was not Alex Iwobi’s flashiest performance for Nigeria, but it was one of his more dependable as he was key to stifling Gabon’s midfield. Samuel Chukwueze 5/10 A disappointing performance for Samuel Chukwueze despite his enterprise on the right wing. Unfortunately, the Fulham winger was unable to exert the same influence he had in Nigeria’s last match against Benin Republic and was hooked on the hour. Wilfred Ndidi 8/10 Despite an early booking, Nigeria’s captain on the day Wilfred Ndidi was superb in the middle of the park, managing to keep his head with several key tackles to stop Gabon’s attacks. Ndidi then topped his performance off with a brilliant assist for Ejuke’s winner in extra time. Akor Adams 8/10 Akor Adams is proof that hard work pays off as the Sevilla striker laboured throughout the match and reaped the reward late on. His relentless pressing, even with only 10 minutes left of the game, allowed him intercept an errant back pass to score the opening goal for Nigeria. Victor Osimhen 7/10 Despite missing several chances during normal time, including a last-gasp attempt to give Nigreia a win in normal time, Osimhen redeemed himself in extra time. Two goals in extra time takes Osimhen’s tally to seven goals in the CAF World Cup qualifying, and gives him confidence heading into the final. Substitutes Moses Simon 5/10 Moses Simon was introduced to add some spark to the wings, but failed in that endeavour and was unable to deliver a telling moment. Chidera Ejuke 8/10 Super Eagles’ match winner Chidera Ejuke proved his worth from the bench with his first goal from Nigeria at the most crucial moment possible. With the game tilting towards a stalemate, Ejike made a superb darting run and benefited from a brilliant pass from Ndidi to score Nigeria’s winner. Frank Onyeka 5/10 Frank Onyeka was solid if unspectacular against Gabon. The midfielder helped calm the game down by breaking down Gabon attacks, but did little else. William Troost-Ekong N/A Not enough time to influence the game. Chidozie Awaziem N/A Not enough time to influence the game.