Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen has opened up about his late missed opportunity during Nigeria’s 4–1 victory over Gabon in Thursday’s World Cup qualifying playoff semi-final.

Osimhen nearly sealed the game in stoppage time when he broke free on goal with only Gabon goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba to beat. His effort, however, went wide, allowing Gabon to force the match into extra time.

Speaking after the match in Rabat, the forward admitted he felt guilty about the miss and immediately apologised to his teammates.

“After I missed that chance, I asked the boys if we were heading straight to penalties or if there would be extra time,” Osimhen said. “They told me it would continue, and I said, ‘I’m really sorry. I’ll fix it.’”

True to his word, Osimhen delivered in extra time—scoring twice to put the result beyond doubt and send Nigeria into Sunday’s final against DR Congo.

He also praised his teammates for rallying around him in a moment that could have shaken his confidence.

“It’s important to have teammates who lift you up, even when you’re usually the one motivating others,” he said. “When you’re down, they pull you back up. Kudos to them.”

With his brace restoring momentum, the 26-year-old will now look to continue his scoring form as the Super Eagles chase a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.