Super Eagles’ striker, Victor Osimhen has opened up about his frustration after missing a crucial chance during Nigeria’s 4–1 extra-time victory against Gabon, but says he is proud of the team’s resilience and mentality in securing the win.
Osimhen, who plays for Galatasaray, recovered strongly from the setback to score twice in extra time as Nigeria booked their place in the African play-off final for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria thought they had sealed the match in regulation time when Akor Adams scored in the 78th minute, but Mario Lemina equalised for Gabon in the 89th minute to force extra time in rainy Rabat. Chidera Ejuke put Nigeria ahead again before Osimhen struck twice to complete the job. Gabon’s only major moment came from a VAR-overturned penalty claim.
Reflecting on his missed one-on-one effort before the final whistle, Osimhen admitted it weighed heavily on him.
“I was gutted as a person and as a striker. I had to keep it moving. It was bad,” he said. “Immediately I missed the opportunity, the referee said we are going to extra time. I told my teammates sorry, I will correct it in extra time.”
He explained how he battled disappointment to deliver when it mattered most.
“If I let it go inside me, I wouldn’t have scored the two goals. As a striker, you score the ones people believe you can’t score and miss the ones people think you can score. I make mistakes as a human, but congratulations to the team.”
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
