Overview
- Nigeria beat Gabon 4-1 after extra time, with Akor Adams opening the scoring, Chidera Ejuke netting his first Super Eagles goal in the 97th minute, and Victor Osimhen adding two late finishes after Mario Lemina’s 89th-minute equaliser.
- DR Congo advanced by defeating Cameroon 1-0 through captain Chancel Mbemba’s stoppage-time winner to set up the final in Rabat.
- Wilfred Ndidi will miss the final because of accumulated yellow cards, forcing coach Eric Chelle to adjust his midfield and armband plans.
- Multiple VAR reviews drew attention during Nigeria–Gabon, including no-penalty decisions on a possible handball and a Bright Osayi-Samuel shirt pull, and players reported lasers being directed from the stands.
- Nigeria’s preparation included a resolved dispute over unpaid bonuses, and Osimhen said he apologised for a late miss in regulation before making amends in extra time.