NIS DG, Shaibu hails Super Eagles’ victory, urges focus ahead of CAF play-off final
The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, has congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria following their emphatic 4-1 extra-time victory over Gabon in the CAF playoff semi-final for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Shaibu, who was present at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, to support the team, commended the players for their resilience and fighting spirit throughout the match.
‘The Super Eagles have really made us proud tonight and I salute them for that,’ he said. ‘Even when the Gabonese equalized, they kept their composure and determination.’
While celebrating the win, the NIS boss urged the team to remain grounded and focused on the next challenge, a decisive clash against either Cameroon or DR Congo in the CAF play-off final.
‘Today’s victory is commendable, but the job is not yet done,’ Shaibu noted. ‘They should not be carried away by the euphoria of this win. The focus must now shift to the task ahead.’
Nigeria’s path to the final was paved by a standout performance from Victor Osimhen, who scored twice in extra-time to seal the win.
Akor Adams opened the scoring in the 78th minute, before Mario Lemina equalized for Gabon with a deflected effort in the 89th.
Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s lead in the 98th minute, and Osimhen’s brace in the 102nd and 110th minutes ensured the Super Eagles advanced.
