Two-goal hero Osimhen reveals what he told Super Eagles teammates after his injury-time miss

Victor Osimhen has opened up on the emotional moment he shared with his Super Eagles teammates after missing a potential injury-time winner in Nigeria's dramatic 4–1 extra-time victory over Gabon in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-off semi-final on Thursday evening.

The Galatasaray striker had a golden opportunity to seal the match in the dying seconds of stoppage time when he broke free for a one-on-one chance against Gabon goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba. 

With the entire stadium expecting the net to bulge, Osimhen dragged his effort wide, leaving the Super Eagles stunned and allowing Gabon a lifeline that forced the match into extra time.

Speaking after the game, Osimhen revealed that the miss weighed heavily on him, and he immediately apologised to his teammates as they prepared for the additional 30 minutes.

"Just like today, when I missed that kind of opportunity, I was asking my teammates if we were going straight to penalties or if we had extra time,” Osimhen explained to reporters in Rabat, including Pooja Media.

"They told me there was extra time, and I said to them, 'I’m so sorry. I'm going to correct it'."

The 26-year-old said the support he received in that moment lifted him and gave him the confidence to redeem himself in extra time.

"For me, it’s important to have teammates who motivate you, even when you're the one who usually motivates others,” he continued. 

"When you’re down, they do everything to bring you back up. So for me, kudos to them."

Osimhen went on to deliver a magnificent response, scoring twice in extra time to put the match beyond Gabon’s reach. 

He smashed home Nigeria's third goal after good work from Benjamin Fredrick, and then completed his brace in the 110th minute, connecting perfectly with Chidozie Awaziem’s cross to seal a 4–1 victory.

His goals, along with Chidera Ejuke's opener in extra time, ensured Nigeria advanced to Sunday's play-off final against DR Congo, who defeated Cameroon 1–0 in the other semi-final.

Wale Adejumo

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