Osimhen tips Nigeria to actualise dream of going to 2026 World Cup

Two-goal hero Victor Osimhen has backed Nigeria to defeat DR Congo and get the job done by qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, the first to feature 48 teams and three host countries: Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The Galatasaray striker led the way as the Super Eagles demolished Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang led Gabon 4-1 in the semi-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoffs on Thursday.

The Super Eagles are now one win away from the March Inter-Continental Play-Off where six teams will compete for two World Cup tickets. Osimhen led the way with a brace to settle a tense semifinal at Stade Prince Heritier Moulay Hassan on Thursday.

Akor Adams broke Gabon’s resistance in the 78th minutes, capitalising on a defensive mix-up, but Mario Lemina dragged the Panthers level in the 89th minutes. Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s lead eight minutes into the extra period.

Osimhen took control thereafter: the Galatasaray forward finally converted his pressure into goals with a poacher’s finish on 102 minutes and a solo clincher on 110 to close out a commanding finish from Eric Chelle’s side.

Nigeria can get qualification to World Cup done

Osimhen has now stressed the importance of Nigeria reaching the World Cup.

“We can get it done,” Osimhen told ESPN. “We have the squad to actualize this dream of going to the World Cup because everyone wants to go to the World Cup.

“We have to be at the World Cup because we missed out on the last one and I think we have the quality to do it.”

Osimhen further confirmed he had apologized to his teammates following a clear miss against Gabon. Osimhen had a great opportunity to wrap up the game in added minutes but he missed the target.

“I was gutted but as a person and as a striker I had to keep it moving. It was bad,” he added. “I apologized immediately to my teammates because I saw that immediately I missed the opportunity the referee said we were going into extra time. I told my teammates that I was sorry and I would correct it in extra time.

“If I let it get into my head, I don’t think I would be able to grab those two goals. That was important because as a striker you score the one people believe you cannot score and then you miss the ones people think you can score. Which is normal, I am human so I make mistakes.”

Nigeria will return to Stade Prince Heritier Moulay Hassan on Sunday to face DR Congo, who defeated Cameroon 1-0 in another playoff fixture, for a shot at the FIFA Play-Off Tournament and, ultimately, a place at World Cup 26.