Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has opened up about Victor Osimhen’s missed opportunity during Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff clash against Gabon.
The Galatasaray striker failed to convert a golden chance in the final stages of regulation time after being perfectly set up by Wilfred Ndidi. The miss forced the game into extra time, where Osimhen redeemed himself by scoring twice to secure a 4-1 victory for Nigeria.
Troost-Ekong revealed that the team rallied around their striker after the missed chance, ensuring he remained motivated. “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 tried to make sure he wasn’t disheartened,” he told reporters.
Fellow Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze also weighed in on the situation, praising Osimhen for his resilience. “But it’s football sometimes it happens, everybody knows he can score that kind of goal and he gave us two goals and it’s fantastic,” Chukwueze said.
The team’s leadership and support for Osimhen highlighted the unity and determination of Nigeria’s squad as they progress in the 2026 World Cup playoff campaign.
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