Victor Osimhen focused on AFCON title win despite goal drought

Caretaker February 4, 2024

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Nigeria advanced to the semi-finals of the 2023 AFCON with a 1-0 victory over Angola, courtesy of Ademola Lookman's decisive goal. Here are the player ratings:

Nigeria’s star striker, Victor Osimhen has expressed his indifference towards his goal-scoring drought at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after the Super Eagles secured a 1-0 victory over Angola to reach the semi-finals.

Osimhen’s goal, which came from a header off a Lookman free-kick, was unfortunately disallowed for offside.

In an interview with broadcaster Canal Plus Afrique, Osimhen emphasized his team-first mentality, stating, “Those who know me, they know I don’t put myself before the team. If my goal comes, they come.” The Napoli striker emphasized his commitment to contributing to the team’s success, whether through goals, defensive efforts, or overall team spirit.

Osimhen

“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,” Osimhen added. He emphasized the collective goal of winning the tournament, expressing confidence in the team’s mentality to bring the trophy home.

Despite facing disallowed goals and taking several knocks during the match, Osimhen remains focused on the bigger prize, stating, “We have the quality, we have the squad to win games and to reach the final for me.”

The Super Eagles are set to face either Cape Verde or South Africa in the semi-final, with the collective aim of clinching a fourth continental title and their first since 2013.