According to a report by All Nigeria Soccer, Victor Osimhen has disclosed the conversation he had with his Super Eagles teammates moments after missing a crucial stoppage-time chance 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 forward was presented with a clear opportunity to win the match at the end of regulation time when he raced through on goal for a one-on-one situation against Gabon goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba. With the final seconds ticking away, the striker attempted to guide his effort into the bottom corner, but dragged it wide, prompting disbelief across the stadium and giving the Panthers a reprieve that pushed the match into extra time.
Speaking after the encounter in Rabat, Osimhen admitted the miss weighed heavily on him as the players regrouped for the additional 30 minutes. He explained that he immediately approached his teammates to apologise and reassure them of his determination to put things right.
“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 told reporters, 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 noted that the encouragement he received in that moment played a significant role in lifting his confidence, allowing him to refocus ahead of the decisive period.
“For me, it’s important to have teammates who motivate you, even when you’re the one who usually motivates others,” he added. “When you’re down, they do everything to bring you back up. So for me, kudos to them.”
Osimhen responded emphatically in extra time, scoring twice to swing the match firmly in Nigeria’s favour. He netted Nigeria’s third goal after fine work from Benjamin Fredrick, before completing his brace in the 110th minute by meeting a cross from Chidozie Awaziem to extend the lead.
His goals followed Chidera Ejuke’s opener in extra time, sealing a commanding 4–1 triumph that sent the Super Eagles into Sunday’s play-off final. Nigeria will face DR Congo, who defeated Cameroon 1–0 in the other semi-final.