Former Luton Town defender Gabe Osho marked a significant milestone in his football career by making his international debut for Nigeria during the final stretch of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Despite mixed results, the Super Eagles secured their place in the 2025 finals in Morocco.

The 26-year-old, who featured in 85 matches for the Hatters after joining from Reading in 2020, had been previously called up by Nigeria but was sidelined due to injury. Now plying his trade in Ligue 1 with Auxerre, Osho’s solid form, reflected in nine league appearances this season, earned him another shot at donning the Nigerian jersey.

Osho’s debut came against Benin in a crucial Group D encounter held in the Ivory Coast. Despite an early setback when Mohamed Tijani gave Benin the lead, Nigeria salvaged a 1-1 draw thanks to Victor Osimhen’s late equalizer. The result ensured Nigeria’s qualification for the AFCON finals. Osho was substituted at halftime, but his performance hinted at the potential he could bring to the Super Eagles’ backline.

The young defender retained his place for Nigeria’s final qualifying game, a surprising 2-1 home loss to Rwanda at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. While AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze’s brilliant solo goal gave the Super Eagles hope, Rwanda struck twice in quick succession through Ange Mutsinzi and Innocent Nshitu to pull off a stunning upset.

Though the results left room for improvement, Osho’s emergence on the international stage provides a fresh defensive option for head coach Augustine Eguavoen as Nigeria prepares for the AFCON tournament.