Osimhen toasts ‘statement’ win for Nigeria’s Super Eagles
Nigeria star Victor Osimhen said his team had “made a statement” in beating hosts Ivory Coast 1-0 at the Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday to close on a place in the last 16.
“It feels good. Not an easy game of course. We knew the Ivorians would come strong against us,” Osimhen said after captain William Troost-Ekong’s 55th-minute penalty decided the Group A showdown at the Ebimpe Olympic Stadium in Abidjan.
“We came with a game plan and we executed it. I am happy about this win. It’s a big win for us and we keep on building on this momentum.”
Nigeria were held to a 1-1 draw by Equatorial Guinea in their opening game at the tournament, a match in which Osimhen scored.
This result leaves them level on four points at the top of the section with Equatorial Guinea, who beat Guinea-Bissau 4-2 earlier on Thursday.
The Super Eagles know a draw in their last match against already-eliminated Guinea-Bissau will guarantee progress as one of the top two teams.
However, four of the best third-placed sides also advance to the last 16.
“This game against Ivory Coast was a big statement game for us,” said Osimhen, who won the decisive penalty after being brought down in the box by Ousmane Diomande.
“We needed to win and make a statement in a competition like the Afcon.
“It was important to start well. We waited for them in the midfield, waiting for them to make mistakes, but I am really happy about this win and we will keep on going from here.”
READ ALSO: Business minded Equatorial Guinea beat G/Bissau near knockout stage
The reigning African footballer of the year said he “really didn’t mind” that coach Jose Peseiro told Troost-Ekong to take the penalty rather than him.
Nigeria now face Guinea-Bissau in Abidjan on Monday and the three-time Afcon winners will be wary of a team that defeated them in qualifying in Abuja last March.
Osimhen said: “We know them. We played them in qualifying and we know how dangerous they can be. We can never take any game lightly.”