Osimhen had a golden opportunity to win the match and avoid extra time in stoppage time, but he failed to convert.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen, has disclosed the conversation between him and his teammates after missing a late goal that could have won the 2026 World Cup semi-final playoff against Gabon in regulation time.
Nigeria eventually thrashed the Panthers of Gabon 4-1 in the crucial and entertaining encounter played in Rabat, Morocco on Thursday evening.
Akor Adams opened the scoring for the Super Eagles during the match, but Mario Lemina restored parity in the 89th minute for his side.
Eric Chelle’s men then sealed the win in extra time with a brace from Victor Osimhen and a goal from Chidera Ejuke.
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However, Osimhen had a golden chance to seal the victory for Nigeria in the dying seconds of regulation time when he broke free for a one-on-one opportunity against Gabon goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba.
Unfortunately, the Galatasaray striker played the ball wide, giving Gabon a lifeline that led to extra time.
Speaking after the game, Osimhen said he apologised to his teammates and assured them that he would make amends for the missed chance.
“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 said while addressing reporters in Rabat.
He added, “They told me there was extra time, and I said to them, ‘I’m so sorry. I’m going to correct it.’
