Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has revealed his immediate reaction after squandering a late winning opportunity during Nigeria’s 4-1 World Cup qualifying playoff victory against Gabon on Thursday.
The Super Eagles star found himself one-on-one with Gabon goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba deep in stoppage time. His missed chance allowed Gabon to force extra time in Rabat.
Osimhen openly admitted feeling responsible for potentially letting the team down. He promptly apologized to teammates.
“When I missed that opportunity, I asked my teammates whether we were going straight to penalties or if we had extra time,” Osimhen stated. “They confirmed extra time and I told them, ‘I’m so sorry. I’ll correct it.'”
The 26-year-old fulfilled his promise emphatically. He netted two goals during extra time to secure Nigeria’s decisive victory. His performance booked their place in Sunday’s final against DR Congo.
Osimhen praised his teammates for their crucial emotional support after his high-profile miss. This backing proved vital for his recovery during the match.
“Having teammates who motivate you is essential. Especially when you’re usually the motivator. When you’re down, they lift you up. Kudos to them.”
The striker now aims to maintain his scoring form against DR Congo. Nigeria continues their journey toward qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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