New Super Eagles Defender, Gabriel Osho, Realizes Lifelong Dream
Gabriel Osho, a French-based defender for AJ Auxerre, is a step closer to realizing his childhood dream of playing for the Nigerian national team. The 2025 AFCON qualifiers have seen him earn his first cap with the Super Eagles, thanks to coach Austin Eguavoen’s call-up.
Osho, who currently plays in France, made his debut last Thursday in an important qualifier against Benin Republic. Although the match didn’t start on a high note, with Nigeria falling behind to an unexpected goal, Osho expressed his gratitude and excitement for the opportunity. Despite the setbacks, he’s grateful to God for the experience.
The defender initially joined the team for friendly matches against Ghana and Mali in March but was forced to sit out due to an injury. Reflecting on his journey, Osho revealed that his desire to play for Nigeria dates back to his teenage years. He even visited Nigeria while the U-17 team won the World Cup in 2015 and believes that his family ties play a significant role in his decision to represent the Super Eagles.
“I’ve been looking forward to this moment for a long time,” Osho said. “I’ve visited Nigeria four times while growing up. Your family blood is the real blood, and returning was never a hard decision.”
Osho is expected to play for the Super Eagles during the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, as the team has already secured their spot in the tournament. The outcome of their upcoming game against Rwanda is inconsequential to the Nigerian team.
Ahead of the match, Osho highlighted the team’s collective effort to secure their 2025 AFCON qualification. “We did what we needed to do to achieve the win,” he said. “I believe we can improve as a team and I can perform better individually as well. Thankfully, everyone came out without injuries, and we are grateful for the victory.”
Since joining Auxerre from Luton, Osho has made a promising start to his campaign, featuring in nine games in the French topflight. The talented defender initially played for the English team in the Premier League but failed to secure an invite to the national team. He eventually decided to represent Nigeria, citing family ties as a significant factor in his decision.
