SUPER Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has played down his missed opportunities during the 4-1 victory over Gabon in the first semi-final of the African World Cup play-offs in Rabat, Morocco last night.
Osimhen was unable to convert at least three presentable opportunities in regulation time, including a one-on-one with the Gabon goalkeeper in the final seconds as the match went into extra-time.
The Galatasaray striker however atoned with two superbly taken goals to cement victory and take his Super Eagles tally to an impressive 31 goals in 45 appearances.
“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,” Osimhen said in his post-match interview.
“I’m a professional player, and I’ve been in the game for a long time. I’ve played against some very intimidating teams where I miss good opportunities. Sometimes, it happens like that.
“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.
“That’s what I always tell my teammates. We have to keep trying. So, I first told them I’m sorry and then I promised that I was going to correct it 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.”
Osimhen will again spearhead the Super Eagles attack when they take on the Democratic Republic of Congo in the African playoffs final on Sunday.
DR Congo defeated Cameroon 1-0 in the second semi-final last night, captain Chancel Mbemba scoring the winner in stoppage time.