Osimhen focused on Nigeria after Galatasaray’s defeat, turning attention to the 2026 World Cup playoff against Gabon in Rabat
Osimhen focused on Nigeria after Galatasaray’s 1–0 defeat to Kocaelispor on Sunday, insisting his full attention is now on helping the Super Eagles secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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Dan Agyei’s first-half goal sealed the shock result for Kocaelispor, while Osimhen’s late equaliser was ruled out by VAR for offside against teammate Gabriel Sara.
The loss dented the Turkish champions’ momentum, but the striker wasted no time shifting focus.
“I have to travel. The game has happened, it has happened. I have moved on from that. Now I focus on my national team,” Osimhen told reporters after the match, displaying his trademark resolve.
The 26-year-old forward, who struck a hat-trick against Ajax earlier in the week, is determined to help Nigeria return to football’s biggest stage after missing out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
By Sunday night, ten Super Eagles players — including Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, William Troost-Ekong, Benjamin Frederick and Chidozie Awaziem — had reported to camp in Rabat.
Team media officer Promise Efoghe confirmed that the Super Eagles’ base at the Rive Hotel, Rabat, opened on Sunday, with head coach Eric Chelle and his technical crew already in place as preparations intensify for Thursday’s high-stakes clash with Gabon.
Nigeria will face Gabon in the semi-final at the 22,000-capacity Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan, while Cameroon meet DR Congo in the other fixture.
Winners of both matches will play in the final on November 16, with a place in the inter-confederation playoffs — and potentially the 2026 World Cup — on the line.
The Osimhen focused on Nigeria stance underscores his leadership and hunger for success, with nine goals in twelve appearances for Galatasaray this season.
Also read: Victor Osimhen shares champions league ambitions with UEFA
Despite Sunday’s setback, his eyes remain firmly on national glory.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
