Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen made headlines for both his match-winning performance and his revelation about laser pointer interference during Nigeria's crucial World Cup playoff victory against Gabon.
Osimhen's Laser Pointer Revelation
The Napoli forward, who scored two crucial goals in extra time, disclosed that he personally witnessed a fan attempting to distract him with a laser pointer from the stands during the high-stakes encounter. The incident occurred during Nigeria's 4-1 victory over Gabon at Stade Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco on November 14, 2025.
In a post-match interview with ESPN, Osimhen stated: "I actually saw the person pointing the laser at me, the person was in the stands. They know the kind of quality we possess. They are trying to use the laser to distract us. I just keep it moving, I don't even think about it."
Super Eagles' Resilient Victory
Despite the attempted distraction, Osimhen maintained exceptional focus, leading Nigeria to a commanding 4-1 victory after extra time. The match saw Sevilla forward Akor Adams open the scoring in the 78th minute after sustained pressure on the Gabon defense.
Gabon equalized dramatically late in regular time when Mario Lemina found the net in the 89th minute, forcing the game into extra time. Nigeria quickly reestablished control with Chidera Ejuke restoring the Super Eagles' lead in the 97th minute.
Osimhen then took center stage, demonstrating why he's considered one of Africa's premier strikers. The 26-year-old netted a superb finish in the 102nd minute before sealing the victory with his second strike in the 110th minute.
Road to World Cup Qualification
With this impressive victory, Nigeria advances to the CAF playoff final against DR Congo, scheduled for Sunday, November 16. DR Congo secured their spot by defeating Cameroon 1-0 in the other semi-final match.
According to CAF Online, the winner of Nigeria versus DR Congo will proceed to the inter-confederation playoffs, bringing them one step closer to qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
The performance against Gabon not only highlighted Nigeria's World Cup ambitions but also emphasized the team's attacking depth and ability to maintain composure under pressure. Osimhen's standout display, combined with crucial contributions from Adams and Ejuke, ensures the Super Eagles approach the final playoff match with significant confidence.
FIFA has officially congratulated the Super Eagles following their emphatic 4-1 victory, recognizing Nigeria's commanding performance that keeps their World Cup hopes firmly alive.
