'We had promised' - Osimhen's Galatasaray teammate Lemina reacts to Gabon's loss to Nigeria

Galatasaray midfielder Mario Lemina has reacted to Gabon's 4-1 defeat to Nigeria in Thursday's 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff clash in Morocco, describing the result as a painful setback but a lesson for the future.

Lemina, who shares a dressing room with Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen at Galatasaray, played a key role for the Panthers and scored a dramatic 89th-minute equaliser after Sevilla striker Akor Adams had put the Super Eagles ahead earlier in the match.

With the game locked at 1-1 after regulation time, Nigeria took full control in extra time. 

Chidera Ejuke restored the lead before Osimhen struck twice to seal a dominant victory, sending the Super Eagles into the final stage of the playoffs.

The result ended Gabon’s hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup. 

Reacting in a post on X, the former Southampton midfielder expressed frustration but encouraged his teammates to draw strength from the experience.

"A mix of emotions between rage, disappointment, and pride. We had promised ourselves to fight to the end for this jersey, but it wasn’t enough,” he said. 

"Let’s use this experience to progress and move forward stronger toward our goals. Proud of you guys. Thank you"

Nigeria will now face DR Congo in the final playoff on Sunday at the Moulay Hassan Stadium. 

A win will secure the Super Eagles a spot in the intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March 2026, bringing them a step closer to qualifying for the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Adeyemi Adewale
 

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