Victor Osimhen, who clinched the Serie A title with Napoli and secured the African Footballer of the Year title in 2023, now sets his sights on lifting the Cup of Nations with Nigeria, believing it could surpass all his achievements.
The 25-year-old striker expressed his anticipation while speaking with AFP in Abidjan, where the Super Eagles are gearing up to face Ivory Coast in their second group game at the AFCON on Thursday.
Reflecting on his accomplishments with Napoli, including scoring 26 goals last season to secure their first Scudetto since 1990, Osimhen acknowledged the historical significance but emphasized the unique importance of winning the AFCON. He admitted, “I have done that with Napoli; I have made history, but no matter what I do, no matter how many goals I have scored, to be able to win the AFCON, I would go a long way in my life but probably when I do that I am done.”
Osimhen, the focal point of attention in the Nigerian squad, assured that he could handle the pressure, citing his lifelong habit of aiming high. Speaking from the Nigerian team hotel overlooking Abidjan’s Cocody Bay, he asserted, “I am the kind of person who doesn’t fold under pressure. As the pressure comes, I take it into my head to try to give my best and do well for myself.”
Acknowledging the dreams of every young African player, Osimhen expressed gratitude for winning the African Player of the Year award, emphasising the hard work, sweat, and tears that went into achieving the accolade. Despite the attention and expectations, Osimhen appeared relaxed, having just concluded an interview with Emmanuel Adebayor, Togo's 2008 African Footballer of the Year.
