Nigeria’s hopes in AFCON rest on Napoli striker Victor Osimhen. What makes him such a feared and sought-after striker worldwide?
OSIMHEN IN A NUTSHELL
Scoring 20 goals in 27 caps is an impressive record at the international level. Victor Osimhen is not your average striker, as he has demonstrated in recent seasons with Lille in France and, more notably, with Italian champions Napoli. He played a pivotal role in securing Napoli’s first Scudetto in 33 years, netting 26 goals in the league. His outstanding performance earned him the Serie A top scorer ‘Capocannoniere’ award. It’s no surprise that numerous clubs across Europe are willing to pay over €100 million for the 25-year-old. He is particularly renowned for his powerful and versatile runs through the channels and his clinical finishing in front of the goal.
CAN THE NAPOLI STRIKER LEAD NIGERIA TO AFCON GLORY?
Victor Osimhen is arguably one of the best-rounded and most exceptional strikers in the world right now. Not since the days of Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Nwankwo Kanu, or Obafemi Martins have the Super Eagles possessed such a feared and predatory forward. With the prolific 23-year-old Victor Boniface sidelined due to injury, the burden on Osimhen’s shoulders will be even greater. If Nigeria aims to win the tournament in Ivory Coast, they will rely on superstar Osimhen to perform at his best.
José Peseiro’s team will compete in Group A alongside Equatorial Guinea, hosts Ivory Coast, and Guinea-Bissau. Their matches against these respective opponents are scheduled for January 14, 18, and 22.
