Osimhen rediscovers AFCON scoring form to sharpen Nigerias advantage
One defining moment from Nigerias disappointing World Cup qualification effort was Victor Osimhens astonishing failure to score in the vital play-off against Gabon.
The typically sharp forward inexplicably shot past the post with only the keeper to face late in regular time during the November fixture in Rabat.
He compensated by netting a brace in extra time to secure victory for the Super Eagles in that encounter, yet their chance to reach the North American finals ended shortly after with a penalty defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
As an African football giant, Nigeria will miss a second successive World Cup, even as a record 10 teams from the continent could qualify if DR Congo triumphs in their March intercontinental play-off.
On Wednesday, the Nigerians return to Rabat for an explosive Africa Cup of Nations semi-final versus the hosts and defending champions.
The Super Eagles best chance to atone is by defeating Morocco and claiming the AFCON trophy.
Nigeria, defeated in the 2024 Nations Cup final by hosts Ivory Coast, seeks a fourth title after successes in 1980, 1994, and 2013.
This remains a formidable challenge, facing 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Morocco before nearly 70000 home fans in Rabat, followed potentially by Senegal or Mohamed Salahs Egypt in the decider.
However, Nigeria has shone brightest over the past three weeks in Morocco, netting a competition-leading 14 goals across five outings.
Osimhen boasts four strikes, including the first in Saturdays 2-0 quarter-final triumph over Algeria in Marrakesh, where he also assisted the winner for Akor Adams.
The forward, who excelled en route to the final two years back with just one goal, now delivers peak performances for Eric Chelles squad.
"As both a person and a footballer, I have grown significantly," Osimhen remarked post-match, highlighting his synergy with Adams and Ademola Lookman.
"I reflect on my errors in quiet moments to figure out improvements."
Timing it perfectly
Osimhen excelled without goals at the previous AFCON, labouring relentlessly for the side amid Ivory Coasts draining heat and moisture.
After seven Nations Cup games goalless, he has tallied four in his most recent four, plus nine in eight internationals since mid-October.
This positions him two shy of Rashidi Yekinis national record of 37 goals.
Osimhen thrives at Galatasaray too, with 12 goals in 16 outings for the Turkish club, including six in the UEFA Champions League.
"I feel assured in my style thanks to my colleagues, but its not solely about tallies or setups, its winning with this group," noted the 27-year-old ex-African footballer of the year.
Excluding that pivotal shoot-out, Nigeria remains unbeaten in competitive fixtures under ex-Mali coach Chelle, appointed a year ago.
They have sidelined bonus disputes during their Moroccan AFCON surge, and Osimhens frustration in the last-16 win versus Mozambique seems merely an excess of zeal.
"Peaking precisely in such a competition matters greatly," commented defender Semi Ajayi of English Championship outfit Hull City.
"Each match has seen us progress and refine, and we aim to elevate further next."
Entering the fray against Morocco in Rabat?
"Our dressing room holds plenty of know-how. We have navigated major pressures previously," Ajayi concluded.