Charleroi of Belgium striker, Victor Osimhen is still taking delight from his hat-trick for the Olympic Eagles, in their 4-0 win against Libya, and hinted that it was simply because he has played alongside many of the team’s players before.
Osimhen, who is on loan at Charleroi from VfL Wolfsburg of Germany, recalled how he was part of the 2015 African U-23 Cup of Nations gold medal winning team, but sports247.ng reports he is sad to have missed out on the Rio 2016 Olympics.
Following his deployment from the senior national team, Osimhen went on to his a treble for the Olympic Eagles in Tuesday’s second leg against Libya, after which he said it is a return to familiar terrain from him.
Osimhen was deployed alongside Francis Odinaka Uzoho, Valentine Ozornwafor and Chidozie Awaziem, on a ‘rescue mission’ to the under-23 squad, following their 2-0 loss in the first leg last Wednesday.
The inclusion of the quartet from the word go for the reverse fixture at Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba proved to be the joker in the pack for Amapakabo, as Osimhen hit a first half sizzler and two in the second 45.
There were also marked improvements in all departments for the under-23s, as two other players that have seen senior national team action, Kelechi Nwakali, who also got an assist, and Samuel Chukwueze, as they both hit the woodwork in between Osimhen’s goals.
Team captain, Azubuike Okechukwu, who had also donned the band in squad of 2015, but gave way to John Mikel Obi to lead the Olympic Games’ charge, was also at his best in the Delta State capital.
However, another Belgium-based in-form striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, who had also been part of the 2015 set but did not make it to the Olympics, failed to live up to expectation for the second match running.
The Royal Excel Mousrcon of Belgium attacker, who is on loan from Liverpool of England had to be replaced in the 78th minute by debuting David Chidozie Okereke from Perugia of Italy, who missed the first leg in Bergendan, Tunisia due to visa issues.
Okereke’s entry proved another masterstroke from Amapakabo, as the lad on loan from Bologna of Italy slotted home Nigeria’s fourth and final goal of the evening.
Okereke’s goal came with an assist by man of the match, Osimhen, who went on to state joy with his deployment to the team, as he sees it as an opportunity for him to make up for the lost time he previously had in the squad under Coach Samson Yebowei Siasia.
While many critics might see it as a demotion for the the Chile 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup highest scorer and eternal top goal netter in the Cadet Mundial’s history, Osimhen said he is happy with the development.
“I am back to where I belong and I am ready to give my best. Many of my Eaglets teammates are already here and I am at home with them.
“We will work harder together. I will give my best for my country at any time, and where ever I am told to do so for the country,” Osimhen said.
