The Super Eagles delivered a thrilling extra-time performance to defeat Gabon 4–1 in the semi-final of the CAF World Cup qualifying playoffs, booking a high-stakes final against DR Congo on Sunday.
But the night’s big story was the emotional rollercoaster surrounding Victor Osimhen — from a remarkable last-minute miss to a heroic extra-time brace that pushed him within touching distance of Rashidi Yekini’s legendary goalscoring record.
Nigeria could have wrapped up the match in regulation time when Wilfred Ndidi sliced open Gabon’s defense with a beautiful pass that left Osimhen one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
A moment Nigerians expected to end in celebration turned into disbelief as the striker shockingly fluffed the opportunity.
Osimhen himself said he was stunned by the miss.
“I was gutted,” Osimhen told ESPN. “But I had to keep it moving. Immediately I missed the chance and saw we were going into extra time, I told my teammate, ‘I’m sorry, I will correct it in extra time.’”
And he did — spectacularly.
Once the match entered extra time, the Super Eagles came alive.
Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s lead with a composed finish, and from there Osimhen took over.
The Galatasaray striker buried two goals, completing his redemption arc and lifting his international tally to 31 goals, now just six shy of Yekini’s all-time record of 37.
“If I let it get into my head, I don’t think I’d be able to grab those two goals,” Osimhen added. “I’m human. I make mistakes. But I have to keep it moving. Congratulations to the team.”
Captain William Troost-Ekong revealed he tried to encourage Osimhen immediately after the miss.
“When I saw him running at the goalkeeper, I was sure he would score,” Ekong said. “After the miss, we tried to encourage him so he wasn’t disheartened.”
Samuel Chukwueze, who had been substituted earlier, admitted the miss shocked him.
“I even ran past the pitch while watching him,” Chukwueze joked. “Everyone knows he can score that type of goal, but it happens. Now he gave us two, so everything is fine.”
With spirits high and qualification within reach, Nigeria moves into the final against DR Congo with momentum.
Fans will be hoping for the extra-time version of Osimhen — ruthless, confident, and unstoppable.
If he continues at this pace, Yekini’s record could fall sooner than expected.
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