Many of the biggest stars of this year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have already been eliminated before the start of the quarter-finals, but one of the continent’s greatest players, Victor Osimhen, is still in the fight to lead Nigeria to the title. The 25-year-old Napoli striker might have been the obvious choice for the tournament’s top scorer, having netted ten goals in the qualifiers, double the tally of the second-highest scorer. However, he has only found the back of the net once in the final phase of the premier African national team competition.
Osimhen scored in Nigeria’s opening match against Ivory Coast, which ended in a disappointing draw with Equatorial Guinea (1-1). He won the penalty that captain William Troost-Ekong converted in the victory over Ivory Coast (1-0) and then played the full 90 minutes in the final group stage match against Guinea-Bissau, where he could have been rested.
Osimhen delivered an impressive performance in the win against Cameroon (2-0), Nigeria’s old rivals in the Round of 16, consistently troubling and pressuring the opposing defense throughout the match.
“He didn’t score, but he had a great game. It’s not easy to stop that guy! Ask the opposing defenders what they’re going through,” said the charismatic Nigeria coach, José Peseiro.
The Portuguese coach emphasized that keeping clean sheets is the key to success in the tournament, despite having a powerful attack in his team. Osimhen’s tireless work rate makes him the first line of defense with the amount of running he does, especially impressive in the heat and humidity of West Africa.
The Team’s MVP
Osimhen collapsed on the pitch at the Félix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, exhausted, at halftime of the match against Cameroon but recovered well and continued to chase the opposing defense in the second half, exciting fans in Abidjan.
“Osimhen plays with passion. That’s what every country wants their players to do,” wrote former Ghanaian striker Asamoah Gyan.
As for goals, Osimhen and Nigeria hope he reserves them for the final stages of the tournament.
According to Opta’s statistical data, Osimhen had 15 shots in this AFCON, at least two more than any other player. However, his expected goals (xG) stand at 2.78, the highest in the tournament—even higher than forward Emilio Nsué, with five goals.
Nevertheless, above all, Osimhen’s achievements and incredible work rate confirm what he told AFP in an interview at the beginning of the tournament.
“I don’t want to put myself in the spotlight, but of course, a lot of people say that. But I think more like a team player. I don’t care if I’m starting or not. For me, it’s very important to be there and play with them. I just want to continue to help the team,” he emphasized.
As modest as he may be, Osimhen will be the first name on Peseiro’s team sheet as Nigeria aims to clinch its fourth continental title.
