Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen admitted he was frustrated after missing key chances during Nigeria’s 4–1 extra-time win over Gabon, but praised the team’s mindset and resilience.
The Galatasaray forward made amends by scoring twice in extra time to secure the victory.
Nigeria looked on course for a regulation-time win when Akor Adams scored in the 78th minute. Gabon equalised in the 89th minute through Mario Lemina, sending the game into extra time.
In added time, Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s advantage, followed by Osimhen scoring twice to seal a 4–1 victory. Played under persistent rain in Rabat, Nigeria dominated most of the match. Gabon’s only notable threat was a VAR-overturned penalty appeal.
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong, who came on late in the second half, helped organise the defence alongside Benjamin Frederick, ensuring the win was secured.
Reflecting on a crucial one-on-one chance late in regulation, Osimhen said:
“I was gutted as a person and as a striker. I had to keep it moving. It was bad. 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.”
Osimhen celebrating his goal in Rabat Morocco.Photo Credit: Poojamedia
He explained how he stayed focused to score twice in extra time:
“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.”
He also reflected on the pressures of being a professional striker:
“Sometimes I score the goal that no one believes and sometimes I lose the one that people think I’m going to score. But that doesn’t take away. I always have this mentality.”
Akor Adams and Victor Osimhen celebrating the opener in Rabat. Photo Credit: Poojamedia
Osimhen praised his teammates for their support:
“Kudos to the guys who gave me the assist to score those two goals. I’m happy about the mentality of the team, all of us.”
He thanked fans for their encouragement:
“Thank you also to so many Super Eagles fans all over the world who have scored with us, who have gone through it all with us. This win is also for them.”
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Regarding lasers being pointed at players, Osimhen said:
“I actually saw the person pointing lasers at me. The person was in the stand, I couldn’t go there. For me it’s normal. They know the kind of quality we possess; they’re trying to use it to distract so many of us. For me, I just keep it moving. I don’t think about it.”
Looking ahead
Nigeria now turn their attention to the African play-off final against DR Congo on Sunday, with the winner advancing to the March 2026 Intercontinental Play-offs.
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“The next round is not going to be easy either. We will give everything to make sure that we go to the final,” Osimhen said.
