Super Eagles striker and Napoli sensation Victor Osimhen has responded to critics over his near-scoreless streak in the ongoing 2023 AFCON.
Osimhen has started all five Super Eagles AFCON matches but has struggled to find the back of the net. The Napoli sensation netted the Super Eagles’ first goal in the tournament during their AFCON opener against Equatorial Guinea.
Since then, it has been a dragging goal drought for the Scudetto winner. Football fans have begun mouthing Osimhen for dropping his goalscoring boots in the continental showpiece.
Atalanta prolific winger Ademola Lookman has shouldered the goalscoring brunt of the Super Eagles. Lookman bagged a brace as the Super Eagles breezed pass the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in round 16 of the tournament. He also scored the lone winner against the Black Antelopes of Angola to fire the Super Eagles into the semi-finals.
Known for his terrific goalscoring stats for club and country, Victor Osimhen seemed to have obviously gone below par with a goal in five AFCON matches for the Super Eagles. However, he has earned widespread acclaim for his immense contributions to the team en route to the last four of the tournament.
After netting the equaliser in the opener against Equatorial Guinea, Osimhen won the penalty for Nigeria against tournament hosts Ivory Coast which was converted to match-winner by William-Troost Ekong.
He also assisted one of Lookman’s double against Cameroon. In the quarter-final clash against Angola, Victor Osimhen dragged out Angola defenders and created space for Ademola Lookman to score the lone match-winner.
He also found the back of the net with a header but the goal was ruled out as offside. Overall, the reigning CAF Footballer of the Year may not shine bright in front of goals in the 2023 AFCON but has been instrumental to the Super Eagles’ triumphant sail to the last four.
Reacting to critics of his lack of goals in the tournament, Osimhen said he is only interested in helping the Super Eagles win not him scoring goals.
“Those who know me, they know I don’t put myself before the team. If my goal comes, they come. I want to help the team with goals, of course, but if I am not scoring, I am defending. If I am not defending, I am fighting for them.”
Elite mentality – Victor Osimhen after Nigeria defeated Angola to qualify for the semifinals of #AFCON2023 tournament. pic.twitter.com/dgeVONkDYt
— Making of Champions (@MakingOfChamps) February 3, 2024
The former Lille forward will be expected to play a great role as the Super Eagles take on Cape Verde or South Africa for a place in the final of the tournament.
