“The lion roared again” — Gabon star hails Victor Osimhen before World Cup face-off with Nigeria

Victor Osimhen recently scored a hat-trick to secure all three points for Galatasaray in their 3-0 win over Ajax FC…

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has been receiving plaudits from his Galatasaray teammate and Gabon international, Mario Lemina, Soccernet.ng reports.

Osimhen grabbed a stunning hat-trick as Galatasaray cruised to a 3-0 win over Ajax in Amsterdam on Wednesday night.

However, there is a hint of friendly rivalry, as Lemina and Osimhen are set to face each other soon in the World Cup playoff between Nigeria and Gabon.

What Lemina said to Victor Osimhen

Shortly after the final whistle, Lemina took to X (formerly Twitter) to salute his teammate’s heroics while teasing their upcoming face-off in the coming days.

“+3, the Lion roared again @victorosimhen9 you again Congrats!” the former Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder wrote.

+3, the Lion roared again @victorosimhen9 you again congrats ! pic.twitter.com/RQJUILeQZI

— Mario Lemina (@LeminaM_13) November 5, 2025

Although the friendship between Osimhen and Lemina will be set aside as Nigeria and Gabon battle for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Osimhen’s Hat-trick Heroics vs Ajax

Osimhen continued his red-hot form in Europe with a magnificent hat-trick that powered Galatasaray to a commanding victory over Ajax.

The 26-year-old opened the scoring with a powerful header from Leroy Sané’s cross, doubled the lead from the penalty spot, and completed his treble with another penalty kick in the 78th minute of the game.

His goals took his tally to six in the Champions League this season, making him the competition’s leading scorer and the first Galatasaray player since Burak Yılmaz in 2012 to net a hat-trick in a European competition.

Super Eagles’ Next Test Against Gabon

Osimhen will be hoping to replicate his performance against Kocaelispor on Sunday before switching his focus to international duty as Nigeria prepares to face Gabon in the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff semifinal on November 13, 2025, in Rabat, Morocco.

Osimhen will lead the Super Eagles’ attack, and Lemina is expected to marshal Gabon’s midfield alongside veteran striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Nigeria will be aiming to book a place in the final playoff round as they continue their quest for a return to the World Cup after missing out on Qatar 2022.