- Taofeek Babalola, Abidjan
Victor Osimhen has said that the Super Eagles must utilise all their chances if they must secure a total victory over Cote d’Ivoire in today’s second group A encounter at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023.
The match is slated for 5:45 pm (Nigerian time) at the Alassane Outtara Stadium in Abijdan today, Thursday, January 18.
Nigeria wasted so many chances in the first game against Equatorial Guinea and they were forced to a 1-1 draw on Sunday.
But Osimhen knows that to scale through the Cote d’Ivoire challenge today, they must be clinical in front of goal.
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He said: “We told ourselves after our draw against Equatorial Guinea that the game against Côte D’Ivoire will not be easy because the fans will rally behind their team.
“Côte d’Ivoire has excellent players, our objective will be to be more efficient in front of goal, not to miss the opportunities we create.”
Osimhen, who is the reigning CAF Africa Footballer of the Year, said he understands that a lot is expected of him in this year’s edition, adding that despite the pressure and the task to deliver at the AFCON, the Napoli striker is still focused.
Osimhen, the current CAF Africa Footballer of the Year, acknowledges the high expectations placed on him for the upcoming AFCON.
Despite the pressure and the responsibility to perform, the Napoli striker maintained that he remains focused.
He said: “I feel good. We are in good condition here in Abidjan, the whole team is focused on the mission.”
The 25-year-old forward has achieved a lot at club level including his recent Scudetto triumph and is hoping to replicate a similar form for the Super Eagles.
He hopes to help the Super Eagles end a decade-long drought.
He added: “The Super Eagles have a history closely linked to the AFCON but since 2013, we have been looking for a new coronation, it’s been more than a decade, that’s a long time for a football-loving country like Nigeria.
“We are the country of Jay-Jay Okocha, of Nwankwo Kanu, our illustrious elders of whom we are the heirs, we must restore this image so dear to our heart.”
Despite a daunting task, Osimhen believes he’s put in enough work over the years and keeps challenging himself for every task.
He noted: “You know, I come from far away, I made a lot of sacrifices to realize the dream of becoming a professional footballer. I don’t take anything for granted. I always challenge myself on the pitch, score more goals, and provide more assists, each time, I challenge myself.
“Many people, myself first and foremost, have a lot of hope in our generation. We know what we are capable of, we know what we want. Cote d’Ivoire is a wonderful country, but we are not here for tourism.”