Victor Osimhen finds Afcon scoring touch to give Nigeria cutting edge
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Nigeria's Victor Osimhen scoring their first goal during the Super Eagles' 2-0 win against Algeria in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals in Morocco on Jan 10.
PHOTO: REUTERS
RABAT – If there was a moment that summed up Nigeria’s failed World Cup qualifying campaign, it was perhaps Victor Osimhen’s incredible miss during their crunch play-off against Gabon back in November.
The usually lethal striker somehow fired wide with just the goalkeeper to beat right at the end of normal time in Rabat.
He did make amends by scoring twice in extra time as the Super Eagles eventually won that match, but their bid to qualify for the tournament came to an end on Nov 16 as they lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Nigeria, an African footballing superpower, will therefore be absent from a second consecutive World Cup.
On Jan 14, however, they will be back in the Moroccan capital for their Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) semi-final against the hosts and title favourites.
The only way the Super Eagles can really redeem themselves is by beating Morocco and winning the Afcon.
Nigeria, who lost the 2024 final to hosts Ivory Coast
It remains a big ask given the challenge of beating 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Morocco in front of almost 70,000 home supporters in Rabat, as well as the fact that either Sadio Mane’s Senegal or Mohamed Salah’s Egypt await in the final.
But Nigeria have arguably been the most impressive side these last three weeks in Morocco, scoring a tournament-high 14 goals in five matches.
Osimhen has four goals, including the opener in the 2-0 quarter-final victory against Algeria on Jan 10.
A player who starred on the run to the 2024 final despite scoring just once is now at his prolific best for Eric Chelle’s team.
“I think as a man and as a player, I’ve improved a lot,” Osimhen said after the win over Algeria. “I always come back to the mistakes I have made when I am in my spare time and try to see how I can improve.”
Osimhen was brilliant despite his lack of goals at the last Afcon, working tirelessly for the team in the energy-sapping heat and humidity of the Ivory Coast.
After seven Afcon matches without a goal, he has now scored four in the last four games and has nine in eight appearances for his country since mid-October.
That has left him just two goals away from equalling the national team record of 37 goals held by the late Rashidi Yekini.
Osimhen is also enjoying a fine campaign with Galatasaray, scoring 12 goals in 16 matches for the Turkish giants including six in the Champions League.
“Now I have so much confidence in the way I play with the help of my teammates but for me it is not about the goals or assists, it is just about winning something with this squad,” added the 27-year-old former African Player of the Year.
Take away that fateful penalty shoot-out against DR Congo and Nigeria have not lost a competitive match since former Mali boss Chelle became coach in January 2025.
“In a tournament like this, it is important to peak at the right time,” said defender Semi Ajayi, who plays for English Championship side Hull City.
“I feel like in every single game we have taken a step forward and improved, and we are looking to improve again for the next one.”
So what about going into the lions’ den next against Morocco in Rabat?
“We have a lot of experience in the changing room. We have dealt with big situations and pressure before,” Ajayi added. AFP
