The Super Eagles secured their first victory by defeating host nation Ivory Coast, thanks to a crucial goal from captain Ekong, who converted a penalty won by the influential Victor Osimhen.
The standout performance earned Osimhen the well-deserved Man of the Match title, and he shared his thoughts in a post-match interview.
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Speaking to the press, the African Footballer of the Year expressed his nonchalant attitude towards facing bigger teams, stating, “For me, it’s normal to play against more significant teams. I don’t really care. I go back and recover for the next game.” Osimhen acknowledged the importance of making a statement in the AFCON competition, emphasizing the need to secure a win against Ivory Coast after a draw in the first game.
Reflecting on the match strategy, Osimhen highlighted the team’s focus on creating chances and capitalizing on the opponent’s mistakes.
He stated, “We needed to make a statement in the competition like the AFCON, it was important to start well, to try to get the damage for them, waited for them in the midfield, making them make a lot of mistakes and all of that.” The Nigerian striker expressed his satisfaction with the win, emphasizing the importance of building momentum for the upcoming fixtures.
When asked about the decision to let Ekong take the penalty instead of him, Osimhen revealed it was the coach’s decision. Despite the coach’s preference for him to take the penalty, Osimhen respected the captain’s role and prioritized the team’s success.
He stated, “I really don’t mind who takes the penalty or who scores for the team. I want the team to win and I want the team to progress. So, this is the most important thing for me.”
Addressing the difference between the first game and the recent victory, Osimhen highlighted the team’s consistent mindset to win. He acknowledged the disappointment of the draw in the opening match but emphasized the determination to make a statement in the second game.
Osimhen commended the team for executing the game plan effectively against a formidable opponent like Ivory Coast.
Looking ahead, Osimhen expressed the team’s focus on the next game against Guinea Bissau. He emphasized the need to avoid underestimating any opponent in AFCON, stating, “We cannot underrate any team in the AFCON.
There are no underdogs in this competition.” Osimhen conveyed the importance of starting well in the upcoming fixture to secure another victory and progress to the second round of the tournament.
The win against Ivory Coast has not only boosted Nigeria’s confidence but also set the stage for an exciting journey in AFCON 2024. With Osimhen’s impactful performance and the team’s determination, the Super Eagles are poised for further success in the competition.
