Star striker Victor Osimhen faces a critical moment as Nigeria begins African qualifying playoffs in Morocco Thursday.
Injuries sidelined Osimhen for much of Nigeria’s ten-game qualifying campaign, forcing the Super Eagles into a four-team playoff bracket.
Nigeria’s first challenge comes against Gabon, with the winner advancing to face Cameroon or Congo in a decisive final Sunday.
Victory there is only the start; a six-team intercontinental playoff in March, likely in Mexico, awaits the successful side.
At 26, Osimhen leads Galatasaray as Champions League top scorer, combining skill, speed, and power reminiscent of Didier Drogba.
He wears a protective mask over metal plates from a serious facial injury sustained four years ago.
Osimhen first rose to prominence with Nigeria’s Under-17 World Cup title in 2015, scoring ten goals in seven games.
He missed the 2018 World Cup after a goalless season with Wolfsburg and Nigeria failed to qualify for Qatar 2022.
Nigeria’s playoff journey has been turbulent, with unpaid bonuses sparking player protests during preparations in Rabat.
Despite setbacks, Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong emphasised the squad’s focus on the “big games ahead” on social media.
Gabon counters with veteran striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, creating a high-stakes duel for African qualification.
Osimhen’s personal journey from poverty and early family loss adds weight to his World Cup ambitions in 2026.
After pausing football to support his family, Osimhen was nurtured back into the game by Under-17 coach Emmanuel Amunike.
Serie A winner and 2023 African Player of the Year, Osimhen embodies Nigeria’s hope to return to football’s global stage.
