RABAT (Reuters) -Nigeria overcame the distraction of a strike over money to beat Gabon 4-1 in their World Cup African playoff semi-final in Rabat on Thursday, but they needed extra time before running out comfortable victors.

Striker Akor Adams snapped up a shallow back pass from Gabon defender Aaron Appindangoye and caught goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba way out of his goal for an easy tap-in for Nigeria's opening goal in the 78th minute.