Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, fresh from winning the Serie A title with Napoli and being named African Footballer of the Year, expresses his desire to cap off his achievements by securing victory in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Nigeria.
Osimhen, who has been a pivotal figure for Napoli, leading them to their first Scudetto since 1990, acknowledges that winning AFCON would be one of the best moments of his life. Despite the pressure and attention surrounding him, he emphasizes his ability to handle it, stating, “I am the kind of person who doesn’t fold under pressure.”
Having recently won the African Player of the Year award, Osimhen reflects on the significance of the achievement, describing it as a dream come true. He acknowledges the influence of Nigerian football legends Nwankwo Kanu and Jay-Jay Okocha, expressing his gratitude for their inspiration.
Osimhen, who signed a new contract with Napoli, aims to lead the Super Eagles to their first AFCON crown since 2013. He values the opportunity to be mentioned alongside Nigerian greats and sees the tournament as a chance for Nigeria to showcase their quality.
Reflecting on past AFCON experiences, Osimhen discusses the learning process from players like Odion Ighalo and his previous absence due to injury. Despite the disappointing start in the opening game against Equatorial Guinea, Osimhen remains optimistic, emphasizing the team’s ability to bounce back and make their nation proud.
As he prepares to face hosts Ivory Coast in the next group game, Osimhen is determined to add AFCON success to his growing list of achievements.
