“Told them I was going to correct it” – Osimhen praises teammates after extra-time heroics

Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has hailed his teammates for keeping his spirits high after a difficult night in front of goal, despite Nigeria’s eventual 4-1 extra-time victory over Gabon in Thursday’s CAF World Cup playoff semifinal.

Osimhen started brightly at the Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium and looked sharp from the first whistle, but the Galatasaray striker struggled to convert several half-chances in the first half. His biggest miss came midway through the second half when he failed to finish from close range. Moments later, Akor Adams spared Nigeria’s blushes by scoring the opener.

However, the Super Eagles could not hold on, as Mario Lemina struck a stoppage-time equaliser that dragged the game into extra time. Osimhen had another golden opportunity in the final minute of regulation after running onto a Chidera Ejuke pass, but he fired wide. The frustration on his face showed how much the miss weighed on him.

But the 25-year-old redeemed himself in extra time, scoring twice as Nigeria stormed to a 4-1 win and booked a place in Sunday’s decisive clash with DR Congo.

Speaking after the match, Osimhen said the encouragement he received from his teammates helped him regroup.

He told Pooja Media:

When I missed the chance before full time, I asked my teammates if we were going to extra time or penalties… then I apologized and told them I was going to correct it… It's important to have teammates that motivate you… They did everything to make sure they brought me up.

Nigeria now shift attention to DR Congo, a stronger and more organised side than Gabon. With a place in next year’s Intercontinental World Cup playoffs on the line, Osimhen will need to be clinical and make the most of every opportunity.