Nigeria’s star striker Victor Osimhen has brushed off his lack of goals at the Africa Cup of Nations, saying he is more focused on helping the team win the coveted trophy. The Napoli forward, who scored 19 goals in Serie A last season, has failed to find the net in his last four games at the tournament in Ivory Coast. However, he played a vital role in the Super Eagles’ 1-0 victory over Angola in the quarter-finals on Friday, setting up Ademola Lookman for the decisive goal in the first half. Osimhen also had a header ruled out for offside in the second half, but he was not bothered by the decision.
“Those who know me, they know I don’t put myself before the team. If my goal comes, they come,” he told broadcaster Canal Plus Afrique. “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. I just want my team to be in the right mentality to win this tournament. It is a big prize for us, as an individual and also as a country. So I think we have the right mentality to make sure we bring the trophy home.”
Nigeria, who have won the AFCON title three times, will face either Cape Verde or South Africa in the semi-finals next Wednesday in Bouake. Osimhen believes the Super Eagles have the quality and the spirit to overcome any opponent and end their nine-year wait for continental glory.
“We had to make sure we went into the competition with the right mentality,” he added. “We have the quality, we have the squad to win games and to reach the final for me.”
While Osimhen has been struggling to score, his strike partner Lookman has been stealing the show with his clinical finishing. The Atalanta forward, who switched his allegiance from England to Nigeria last year, has scored three goals in two games, including a brace against Cameroon in the last 16. Lookman, who was born in London to Nigerian parents, said he was enjoying playing alongside Osimhen and praised his work ethic and attitude.
“He’s a great player, he works hard for the team and he creates chances for himself and for others,” Lookman said. “He’s not selfish, he’s a team player and he’s a joy to play with.”
Nigeria’s coach Jose Peseiro also hailed his players for their performance and dedication, saying they deserved to reach the last four.
“I am very happy with my players. They deserve it. They do everything for me, for the Super Eagles, for the 220 million people. Also they fight, they fight, they fight. It is not easy this tournament,” he said.
