Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has opened up on how he mentally resets after missing big chances, insisting his belief never drops even when the pressure is highest.
Osimhen was in the spotlight during Nigeria’s 4–1 extra-time win over Gabon in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoffs in Rabat. With the game locked at 1-1 in stoppage time, the Galatasaray forward went clean through on goal but dragged his effort wide in a moment that stunned fans and teammates.
Speaking to Cali Sports, Osimhen said he immediately apologised to the team but held on to his conviction that he would still turn the game around.
“I always have this mentality that, even if I miss a good opportunity, so long as the game keeps going on, I will try to make sure I correct it by still scoring later,” he said in Rabat.
The 26-year-old backed those words with action, scoring twice in extra time to send Nigeria into the playoff final.
Osimhen stressed that strikers must learn to live with both applause and criticism.
“As a striker, sometimes I score a goal that no one believes; but I could also sometimes lose the one that people think I’m going to score. That doesn’t take away what I can do,” he said. “I’m a professional player… I’ve played against some very intimidating teams where I miss good opportunities. Sometimes, it happens like that.”
He added that he reassured his teammates right after the miss: he told them he was sorry, then promised to put things right in extra time.
“I’m happy that I did it, and kudos to my teammates who gave me the assists to score the two goals. I’m also happy about the mentality of the team, all of us,” he said.
Captain William Troost-Ekong told ESPN Africa that the squad quickly rallied around their No. 9 after the missed chance.
“When I saw him running at the goalkeeper, I was sure he was going to score, but after that we tried to encourage him and make sure he wasn’t disheartened,” Troost-Ekong said.
Samuel Chukwueze also hailed Osimhen’s response, joking that he even outran the play while supporting the attack.
“But it’s football, sometimes it happens,” Chukwueze said. “Everybody knows he can score that kind of goal, and he gave us two goals and it’s fantastic.”
Osimhen will now look to carry his scoring form into Sunday’s clash with the Democratic Republic of Congo, who booked their place with a 1–0 win over Cameroon courtesy of a late Chancel Mbemba strike.