CAF Sends Message to Victor Osimhen After His Brace Helps Nigeria to World Cup Playoffs Final
- African football body CAF has sent a congratulatory message to Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, praising him for his outstanding impact
- The Galatasaray forward netted a brace as Nigeria demolished Gabon 4-1 in the 2026 World Cup playoff semi-final on Thursday, November 13
- The victory secured the Super Eagles a place in the play-off final, where they will face DR Congo, who beat Cameroon in the other semi-final
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has praised Victor Osimhen after his brace in Nigeria's 4-1 win against Gabon in the semi-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-offs on Thursday night, November 13.
The Super Eagles' win over the Panthers has put them in a better position to become Africa's representative at the inter-continental playoffs in March 2026.
Source: Getty Images
Victor Osimhen dismantles Gabon's World Cup dreams
Gabon was favoured coming into the semi-final of the playoff after securing a total of 25 points during the World Cup qualifiers, which ended last October.
Victor Osimhen missed three clear-cut chances in the first half of the game, as nerves began to build around the Galatasaray star's performance.
In the 90+11 minute, the star forward missed a one-on-one with the Gabon goalkeeper, which could be considered as the miss of the year.
Osimhen finally registered his name on the scoresheet with Nigeria’s third goal in the 102nd minute, following an assist from defender Benjamin Fredrick.
The Galatasaray forward completed his brace in the 110th minute, expertly controlling Chigozie Awaziem’s long pass before beating four defenders, according to the BBC.
Meanwhile, Sevilla forward Akor Adams gave Nigeria the lead in the 78th minute following a miscalculated pass by Bruno Ecuele Manga.
Mario Lamine scored an equaliser in the 89th minute, following a deflection from Birmingham defender Bright Osayi-Samuel to extend the game to extra time.
Chidera Ejuke also scored his first goal for Nigeria in the 97th minute to increase the goal tally to 2-1, according to the NY Times.
Source: Getty Images
CAF hails Osimhen after Gabon brace
Following the match, CAF took to social media to hail the Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen for his brilliance against Gabon.
In a post that went viral, the African football body wrote:
Always him. Always there. Victor Osimhen! 🇳🇬"
Osimhen's brace against the Panthers has increased his goal tally for Nigeria to 31 in 44 appearances.
Nigeria will take on DR Congo in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off on Sunday, November 16.
Reactions as CAF hails Osimhen versus Gabon
Legit.ng compiled the reactions of Nigerians following CAF commendation of Osimhen. Read them below:
chinagorom_067 said:
"If no be fake life, wetin concern Gabon with World Cup."
ugochukwuosuesu wrote:
"Glory be to God, nice winning 👏😍🇳🇬 I am proud of you."
misterkev_inspire added:
"Congratulations Super Eagles! Next is the final. We take this one step at a time."
bulabariggmail.com5 said:
"Congratulations Super Eagles. Victor Osimhen, may the favour of God that cannot be ignored overshadow your name, your life, career and destiny and cause men to give you double portion deals to recover your lost time in Jesus name Amen."
Osimhen arrives at camp ahead of playoffs
Legit.ng earlier reported that the news of Victor Osimhen's arrival had delighted Nigerians ahead of the crucial World Cup playoff semi-final clash.
The NFF dedicated a section of their match preview for the Gabon clash to praise the forward, who has been immense for the team for some time.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
