OSIMHEN FIRES NIGERIA AHEAD WITH AFCON SCORING TOUCH
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
If there was a moment that captured Nigeria’s failed World Cup qualifying campaign, it was Victor Osimhen’s astonishing miss during a crucial play-off against Gabon.
The normally clinical striker somehow blasted wide with only the goalkeeper to beat at the end of regulation time in the November encounter in Rabat.
Although he made amends by scoring twice in extra time to help the Super Eagles win the match, Nigeria’s quest to reach the finals in North America ended days later after a penalty shootout defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Nigeria, an African football powerhouse, will miss a second consecutive World Cup, even as a record number of teams from the continent, potentially 10 if DR Congo win an intercontinental play-off in March qualify for the tournament.
However, the Super Eagles return to the Moroccan capital on Wednesday for a blockbuster Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against the hosts and tournament favourites.
For Nigeria, redemption now lies in overcoming Morocco and lifting the AFCON trophy.
The Super Eagles, who lost the 2024 AFCON final to host nation Ivory Coast, are chasing a fourth continental crown, having previously won the title in 1980, 1994, and 2013.
It remains a daunting task, given the challenge of overcoming 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Morocco in front of nearly 70,000 home fans in Rabat, with either Senegal or Mohamed Salah’s Egypt awaiting the winner in the final.
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However, Nigeria have arguably been the tournament’s standout team over the past three weeks in Morocco, netting a competition-high 14 goals in five matches.
Osimhen has scored four times, including the opening goal in Saturday’s 2-0 quarter-final win over Algeria in Marrakesh, a match in which he also provided the assist for Akor Adams’ decisive strike.
A player who featured prominently in Nigeria’s run to the final two years ago despite scoring just once is now showing his most prolific form under Eric Chelle.
“I think as a man and as a player, I’ve improved a lot,” Osimhen said after Saturday’s match, which highlighted his growing understanding with fellow forwards Akor Adams and Ademola Lookman.
“In my spare time, I always reflect on the mistakes I’ve made and try to figure out how I can improve,” he added.
Osimhen was outstanding at the last AFCON despite failing to score, putting in tireless shifts for the team amid the draining heat and humidity in Ivory Coast.
After going seven Cup of Nations matches without a goal, he has now found the net four times in his last four games and has scored nine goals in eight appearances for Nigeria since mid-October.
The surge has left him just two goals short of equalling the Super Eagles’ all-time scoring record of 37 goals held by the late Rashidi Yekini.
Osimhen is also enjoying an impressive season with Galatasaray, scoring 12 goals in 16 appearances for the Turkish giants, including six in the UEFA Champions League.
“Now I have so much confidence in the way I play with the help of my teammates, but for me it’s not about goals or assists,” said the 27-year-old former African Footballer of the Year. “It’s about winning something with this squad.”
Excluding the penalty shoot-out defeat, Nigeria have not lost a competitive match since former Mali coach Eric Chelle took charge a year ago.
The Super Eagles have set aside distractions, including a dispute over bonuses, during their AFCON campaign in Morocco, while Osimhen’s outburst during the last-16 victory over Mozambique appears to have been nothing more than an excess of competitive spirit.
“In a tournament like this, it’s important to peak at the right time,” said defender Semi Ajayi of English Championship club Hull City.
“I feel that in every game we’ve taken a step forward and improved, and we’re looking to improve again in the next one.”
Looking ahead to the daunting task of facing Morocco in Rabat, Ajayi added: “We have a lot of experience in the dressing room. We’ve handled big moments and pressure situations before.”
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