Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has opened up about a pivotal moment of personal disappointment that ultimately fueled a spectacular comeback for Nigeria in their 2026 World Cup playoff semi-final against Gabon.
The Napoli forward, now with Galatasaray, missed a clear-cut chance in the dying minutes of regular time, a moment he described as emotionally difficult. However, he responded with immense character, scoring a decisive brace in extra time to secure a dominant 4-1 victory for the three-time African champions on Thursday, November 13.
From Frustration to Triumph: The Gabon Semifinal Unpacked
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions for the Nigerian team and its supporters. Sevilla forward Akor Adams broke the deadlock in the 78th minute, capitalising on a defensive error from Gabon's Bruno Ecuele Manga.
Just as victory seemed assured, Galatasaray's Mario Lemina stunned the Super Eagles with an 89th-minute equaliser for Gabon, pushing the high-stakes encounter into extra time.
It was in this pressured period that the team truly shone. Sevilla winger Chidera Ejuke, justifying his selection by coach Eric Chelle, put Nigeria back in front in the 97th minute after a superb through pass from captain Wilfred Ndidi.
Then, Victor Osimhen took center stage. The 2023 CAF Player of the Year punished the Gabonese defence, finding the net twice in quick succession to seal a vital 4-1 win and book Nigeria's place in the final.
Osimhen's Candid Admission and Immediate Apology
Following the match, Osimhen did not shy away from discussing his late regulation-time miss. He admitted the moment weighed heavily on him, describing it as a difficult emotional setback for any striker.
I was gutted as a person and as a striker, Osimhen confessed. I had to keep it moving because it was bad.
He revealed his immediate reaction was to apologise to his teammates. Immediately I missed the opportunity, I saw that the referee said we'll be going into the extra time and I told my teammates I was sorry and promised to correct it in the extra time, Osimhen stated.
This display of accountability and mental resilience was key to his subsequent performance. For me, if I let it get into my head, I don't think I will be able to grab those two goals, he added, highlighting his ability to refocus under pressure.
The Road to the World Cup: A Final Showdown with DR Congo
With the semi-final hurdle cleared, Nigeria's attention now turns to the ultimate prize. The Super Eagles are set to face the Democratic Republic of Congo in the playoff final on Sunday, November 16.
DR Congo secured their spot in the final by defeating rivals Cameroon 1-0, thanks to a late goal from Chancel Mbemba.
Osimhen, who is currently Nigeria's second all-time highest goal scorer behind the legendary Rashidi Yekini, reflected on the importance of his two goals against Gabon. I think those goals are important for me because as a striker you score the goal people believe you cannot score and miss the one people think you can score, which is normal, he said, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of his position. I am human, so I make mistakes. For me I had to keep it moving and congratulations to the team for the performance.
His performance against Gabon has not gone unnoticed, with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) itself praising the striker for his ability to rescue the Nigerian team in crucial moments. All eyes will now be on Osimhen and the Super Eagles as they prepare for their final challenge against DR Congo for a chance to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
