AFCON 2025
Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen has opened up about the glaring miss that could have cost his team dearly against Gabon, before he ultimately redeemed himself with a brace in extra time.
Nigeria secured a 4-1 victory over Gabon in the CAF World Cup qualifying playoff semi-final, setting up a decisive final clash with DR Congo.
However, the match could have been won in regular time had Osimhen converted a golden opportunity late in the game. After being put through on goal by a precise Wilfred Ndidi pass, the striker failed to find the net with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Osimhen quickly put the error behind him, scoring twice in extra time after Chidera Ejuke had restored Nigeria’s lead.
His two goals brought him to within six of Rashidi Yekini’s all-time scoring record for the national team.
Victor Osimhen’s second-half miss had the whole team stunned 😂
He knew he had to make it right and did with that brace 👏 pic.twitter.com/cQSwUWsxA0
— ESPN Africa (@ESPNAfrica) November 13, 2025
Speaking to ESPN after the match, Osimhen candidly discussed the emotional impact of the miss and his determination to make amends.
“I was gutted,” he admitted. “But as a person and as a striker, I had to keep it moving. It was bad. I missed the opportunity immediately; I saw that the referee had said we were going into extra time. I told my teammate, ‘I’m sorry, I will correct it in extra time.’”
“If I let it get into my head, I don’t think I’ll be able to grab those two goals. It’s important. As a striker, sometimes, you score the one they say you cannot score and miss the one they believe you can score; it’s normal.
“I’m human; I make mistakes. I have to keep it moving, and also, congratulations to the team.”
