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Tag: Osimhen

  • Osimhen says victory over Cote d’Ivoire was a big statement

    Osimhen says victory over Cote d’Ivoire was a big statement

    By Taofeek Babalola, Abidjan

    Napoli forward Osimhen has said that the Super Eagles’ victory over the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire in the Africa Cup of Nations second group A game on Thursday, January 18, was a strong statement.

    William Troost-Ekong’s second-half penalty broke the deadlock and secured all three points for the Super Eagles against the hosts. The result leaves Nigeria tied with Equatorial Guinea on four points with goal difference.

    It was a statement win against the hosts, and Osimhen was understandably delighted with how his side nullified the Elephants’ threat before snatching victory.

    Read Also: Super Eagles must be clinical in front of goal against Cote d’Ivoire, Osimhen warns

    In the post-match press conference, Osimhen said their game plans worked against the Ivoirians.

    He said: “We came with a game plan because we knew it was going to be a good fight against Cote d’Ivoire because they are a big team. The game was really tense but for me, it’s normal to play against a big team like Cote d’Ivoire.

    “The first game against Equatorial Guinea was good and we created lots of chances but eventually it ended in a draw.

    “This game against Cote d’Ivoire is a big statement for us. We needed to win and we needed to make a statement in the competition and we love the outcome. We played better and we waited for them in the midfield. We are really happy about the outcome and we will keep on doing our best.”

    Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen was named Man of the Match in yesterday’s Africa Cup of Nations second group A game against Cote d’Ivoire.

  • Eagles made statement with win over Cote d’Ivoire, says MVP Osimhen

    Eagles made statement with win over Cote d’Ivoire, says MVP Osimhen

    Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen was named Man of the Match in yesterday’s Africa Cup of Nations second group A game against Cote d’Ivoire.

    A second half William Troost-Ekong’s penalty gave Super Eagles a win over hosts to get back on track at the ongoing 2023 AFCON.

    However,  Osimhen has revealed that the Super Eagles victory over the Elephants have sent a strong signal to other teams in the tournament that they are in Cote d’Ivoire for a business.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Eagles beat host Cote d’Ivoire 1-0

    In the post-match press conference, Osimhen said their game plans worked against the Ivoirians.

    He said: “We came with a game plan because we knew it was going to be a good fight against Cote d’Ivoire because they are a big team. The game was really tense but for me it’s normal to play against a big team like Cote d’Ivoire.

    “The first game against Equatorial Guinea was a good game and we created lots of chances but eventually we draw.

    “This game against Cote d’Ivoire is a big statement for us. We needed to win and we needed to make statement in the competition and we love the outcome. We played better and we waited for them in the midfield. We are really happy about the outcome and we will keep doing our best.”

  • Super Eagles must be clinical in front of goal against Cote d’Ivoire, Osimhen warns

    Super Eagles must be clinical in front of goal against Cote d’Ivoire, Osimhen warns

    • 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.

    Read Also: Winning AFCON ‘ll be my best moment in life, says Osimhen

    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.”

  • Winning AFCON ‘ll be my best moment in life, says Osimhen

    Winning AFCON ‘ll be my best moment in life, says Osimhen

    Victor Osimhen won the Serie A title with Napoli last season and ended 2023 by being named African footballer of the year, but the striker reckons lifting the Cup of Nations with Nigeria might just top the lot.

    “It would be one of the best moments of my life,” the 25-year-old told AFP in Abidjan, where the Super Eagles are preparing to face hosts Ivory Coast in their second group game at this edition of the AFCON on Thursday.

    “I have done that with Napoli, I have made history, but no matter what I do, no matter how many goals I have scored, to be able to win the AFCON, I would go a long way in my life but probably when I do that I am done,” he admitted.

    “I am really looking forward to winning something with the Super Eagles.”

    Osimhen is, naturally, the focus of most attention around the Nigerian squad after his exploits with Napoli, scoring 26 goals last season to lead them to their first Scudetto since 1990.

    Read Also: Cold war brewing between Wasiu Ayinde and Emmanuella?

    The eyes of Africa’s most populous country, home to over 220 million people, are on him, but he insists he can handle the pressure.

    “I have aimed high all my life, while growing up, and this pressure comes naturally. I am the kind of person who doesn’t fold under pressure,” he said while speaking at the Nigerian team hotel overlooking Abidjan’s Cocody Bay.

    “As the pressure comes I take it into my head to try to give my best and do well for myself.

    “So far so good, I have been doing well for my club and country, which I feel like is the most important thing,” said Osimhen, who pipped Achraf Hakimi and Mohamed Salah to the African player prize.

    “To win the African player of the year is just the dream of every young African player. For me to have won it shows the kind of things I have put in, the hard work, the sweat, the tears.

    “For me it is really a dream come true,” he added, appearing relaxed having just finished another interview with Togo’s 2008 African footballer of the year, Emmanuel Adebayor.

    The lithe forward spearheads a Super Eagles side packed full of attacking talent and the aim for Osimhen is to lead them to a first AFCON crown since 2013.

    His previous AFCON experiences have been frustrating, as he hardly featured when Nigeria –- with Odion Ighalo leading the attack – finished third in 2019 and then missed the 2022 edition altogether.

    “In 2019 when I came, Ighalo was there. He is a big brother to me, so it was important for me to go through this learning process from him, to get this experience,” Osimhen said. “I was supposed to be there in Cameroon, but of course I had my facial injury.

    “Now I am here. It is a dream comes true for me. I don’t want to put myself in the centre but of course a lot of people say this. I think I am more of like a team player.

    “I think we have the quality to make sure we have a very good tournament that we can be proud of.”

    Osimhen scored as Nigeria were held by Equatorial Guinea in their opening Group A game, a result that increases the pressure before facing the hosts.

    “The first game was really disappointing,” he said.

    “Going forward we need to make sure we get it right in the next game, which is against a tougher opponent.”

  • Equatorial Guinea’s Jesús vows to stop Osimhen

    Equatorial Guinea’s Jesús vows to stop Osimhen

    Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper, Jesús Owono, is relishing his battle with Victor Osimhen and has vowed to keep the Napoli striker from scoring.

    Speaking in the pre-match conference ahead of Nigeria’s clash against Equatorial Guinea, Jesús Owono highlighted Osimhen as the danger man for the Super Eagles and mentioned he’ll do his best to keep the 1.85m tall striker quiet.

    Read Also: ‘We have left our core values as a church’

    “I will do my best to stop Victor Osimhen and the other Super Eagles players in order to get a positive result in the first match. We were unknown in the last AFCON, and we did a great job. For this AFCON, the teams have more information about us. We train a lot, and we have prepared for the ramble,” the 22-year-old goalkeeper said.

  • Napoli fans storm Abidjan to give Osimhen maximum support

    Napoli fans storm Abidjan to give Osimhen maximum support

    Victor Osimhen will enjoy extra support from some Napoli fans who are in Cote d’Ivoire to give him maximum support at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off on Saturday.

    Some fans of the Serie A champions have traced him to the Ivorian capital and were spotted at the Super Eagles’ camp site, the 5-star Pullman Hotel earlier today exchanging pleasantries with Osimhen, who is expected to lead the line for the three-time African champions at the continental football showpiece.

    Read Also: Osimhen to switch to Saudi Arabia next summer

    Osimhen is well loved by Napoli fans, who are appreciative of his contributions to their success in the 2022-2023 season, as they won the Serie A title after 33 years.

    The 25-year-old scored 26 goals in 32 matches to cart home the top scorer’s award and become the highest African scorer in Serie A with 47 goals, eclipsing George Weah’s record.

    Osimhen will be the cynosure of all eyes as he heads into the AFCON as the reigning Africa’s best player. This leaves him with a weight of expectation from the football world, but enjoying the support of the club and country’s fans will prove his wind in sail.

  • AFCON: Osimhen, Iwobi, Simon show class in Super Eagles training

    AFCON: Osimhen, Iwobi, Simon show class in Super Eagles training

    The Super Eagles are ready to prove critics wrong at this AFCON beginning with Sunday’s opening Group A match against Equatorial Guinea as Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon all dazzled to the admiration of all those who watched them put finishing touches to their preparations.

    Old war horse Ahmed Musa and Samuel Chukwueze also shone to dismiss any fears that they will struggle under the hot sun of the afternoon when they will face Equatorial Guinea.

    Read Also: Chelsea to break bank to sign Osimhen

    CAF Player of the Year Osimhen is very much aware of the huge expectations he has to bear and he is focused on delivering the goals on match day.

    Today’s workout lasted for two hours and it was closed to the media.

    It was rounded up by finishing drills as the players all looked pumped up for the task ahead.

    The team will tomorrow afternoon train at the Alassane Quatarra Stadium to have a first feel of the pitch, where they will do battle. The session will be for two hours.

  • Saudi transfer: Osimhen’s agent slams Kvaratskhelia’s representative

    Saudi transfer: Osimhen’s agent slams Kvaratskhelia’s representative

    Victor Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, has released a statement branding Mamuka Jugeli’s words as ‘bad, superficial and unacceptable’, contributing to causing ‘problems and misunderstandings.’

    Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s agent, Mamuka Jugeli, said on Tuesday that Osimhen would join a Saudi Pro League team at the end of the season, adding that his client was ‘different’ as he’d rather join a top European club.

    Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, replied with an official statement on X, formerly Twitter, yesterday.

    “Everyone must look into their own home and have respect for the work of others. It is not correct to talk about the future of other players,” said Calenda.

    Read Also; Huge sporting expectations for Nigeria

    “This creates problems and misunderstandings as well as unfortunate predictions. The alleged words of agent Mamuka Jugeli are bad, superficial and unacceptable. These words create problems for my player Victor Osimhen with Napoli fans without any reason or real of the reality. We have just signed a contract renewal and Victor’s only wish, in addition to the Africa Cup of Nations, is to help Napoli. Everything else is rubbish.”

    Calenda’s client Osimhen had already hit back at the Georgian star’s representative with much harsher words on an Instagram story where he called Jugeli ‘a piece of filth and a disgrace.’

    Osimhen is currently on AFCON international duty with Nigeria’s national team and will make his debut in the competition against Equatorial Guinea on January 14, 2024.

    The Nigerian striker has recently signed a contract extension with Napoli until June 2026 but the new deal reportedly includes a release clause worth circa €130m.

  • Osimhen to switch to Saudi Arabia next summer

    Osimhen to switch to Saudi Arabia next summer

    Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s representative Mamuka Jugeli is convinced Napoli star Osimhen will join a Saudi Pro League club next summer.

    The Nigeria international has recently signed a contract extension with Napoli, which reportedly includes a €120-130m clause.

     “Osimhen signed a new contract, but do you really think he will spend his entire career at Napoli?” Jugeli said in an interview with Georgian media 1Tv, as quoted by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

     “I can already tell you he will go to Saudi Arabia next summer. Napoli have raised his salary, but Khvicha would not accept such a transfer even for €1 billion. He’d rather play for Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona or Manchester City. Kvaratskhelia has different targets and preferences.”

    Read Also: Osimhen ‘ll excel in  Premier League , says Adebayor

    Osimhen’s new deal expires in June 2026 and Premier League clubs like Chelsea and Arsenal have been linked with securing his services at the end of the season.

     “Kvaratskhelia wants to have success, and he is already achieving it. He is among the best three players in the world. All will happen at the right time, it’s still early. No team would reject the chance to sign him,” continued the Georgian’s agent.

     “Those who know football agree that he has no limits and can only improve. I’ve had contacts with the club. But will De Laurentiis let him leave? Right now, we are tied to a contract.”

    Kvaratskhelia joined Napoli in a €13m deal from Georgian side Dinamo Batumi in 2022 and significantly contributed to the Partenopei’s first Serie A title in 33 years last term with 12 goals and 13 assists in 34 league matches.

    His contract at the Stadio Maradona runs out in June 2027 and Napoli have publicly denied that they’ll offer their star a new deal anytime soon.

  • Osimhen ‘ll excel in  Premier League , says Adebayor

    Osimhen ‘ll excel in  Premier League , says Adebayor

    • Chelsea close in on Nigerian ace

    Former Arsenal star Emmanuel Adebayor insists that Victor Osimhen is capable of taking the Premier League by storm and has urged him to make the move to England.

    Osimhen was recently crowned African Footballer of the Year for 2023 following his exploits in Italy with Napoli, whom he helped win a first Serie A title in 33 years last season.

    The Nigeria international plundered 26 goals in 2022-23 to become the first African to finish as top scorer in the league, while he has found the back of the net seven times in 13 appearances for the Partenopei this term.

    Osimhen was handed a new contract at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in December which runs until 2026, although it is unlikely to dissuade English clubs from acquiring his prized signature.

    Adebayor – who played for the Gunners, Manchester City, Tottenham and Crystal Palace during a 10-year spell in England – believes the 25-year-old striker has all the attributes to shine in the Premier League, much like his idol Didier Drogba.

    “He has the right attitude, mentality and determination to excel there (in England),” the former Togo international told BBC Sport Africa. “I’m praying for him to move to the Premier League and show what he’s capable of. The Premier League is the toughest and best [league] in the world.

    Read Also: Activation of automated passport application excites Nigerians

     “Osimhen has shown and done it already in Italy, I think it is the right time for him to move to England and replace his idol Drogba and do beautiful things.

     “He has all it takes to make a name and write a great chapter in England like Drogba.”

    Meanwhile, Chelsea are  reportedly in position to sign Osimhen from Napoli, with a cleverly structured deal that would see the Nigerian move to the Premier League for over £100 million.

    That’s according to incredible reports yesterday , claiming that Osimhen has given his nod to the Blues over the move. The striker is currently preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations – and even recently signed a new deal with employers Napoli, with a release clause of £112m.

    But that new contract could well have been nothing more than insurance for the Scudetto holders, with the biggest clubs in Europe all competing for Osimhen’s signature.

    According to TEAMtalk, citing sources in Italy, the hitman has agreed on terms with Chelsea over a move, which should happen in the summer.