In a dazzling performance that secured a vital 1-0 victory for Nigeria against hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Victor Osimhen emerged as the undeniable hero of the Super Eagles.
The Napoli striker, named Man of the Match, expressed his elation during a post-match press conference, highlighting the significance of triumphing over the formidable host nation.
Osimhen, donned in the iconic green and white, played a pivotal role in the 55th minute when he earned a penalty, ultimately converted by William Troost-Ekong to secure the lead.
In the press conference, Osimhen shared his joy, stating, “It’s a beautiful victory; we knew we would face a strong Ivory Coast team.”
Recognizing the challenge posed by Cote d’Ivoire, Osimhen emphasized, “This match was a significant test for us, and we are thrilled to have overcome it.”
The Nigerian forward assured a consistent approach in upcoming matches, pledging to carry the same mentality displayed against the Elephants into the remainder of the competition.
Reflecting on the team’s performance, Osimhen remarked, “In the first match, we had numerous chances that we didn’t capitalize on. Today wasn’t different; we maintained the same mentality, and we hope this victory brings joy to everyone.” Looking ahead to the third match against Guinea-Bissau, scheduled for Monday, Osimhen emphasized not underestimating their opponent.
“We aim for a strong performance against Guinea-Bissau. They will undoubtedly approach the game with determination, and we won’t underestimate any team, considering what they’ve done to qualify,” Osimhen concluded, setting the stage for Nigeria’s continued journey in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2023.