In a heartwarming gesture at the Abu Dhabi camp, the Super Eagles players and coaches celebrated Victor Osimhen’s triumph as the men’s African Player of the Year (POTY) award winner. Osimhen, clinching this honour, emulates the footsteps of Nwankwo Kanu, marking the first Nigerian win since 1999 in the CAF POTY category. His recent accolades stem from steering Napoli to their first Scudetto title in 33 years and dominating the goalscorer charts during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
“Victor Osimhen’s dedication and skill have brought immense pride to Nigerian football,” remarked a team official.
Since his victorious night at the CAF awards, the Super Eagles hadn’t convened as a unit; their last outing in November was marred by Osimhen’s absence due to injury, leading to back-to-back 1-1 draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Amid preparations for the imminent AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire this month, the Nigerian national team has congregated in Abu Dhabi. Head coach Jose Peseiro oversees training sessions, with 24 out of the 25 called-up players already in attendance, the exception being Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho, who is nursing an injury that might jeopardise his participation.
“Osimhen’s arrival at camp added fervour to the team’s preparations,” said a source close to the Super Eagles.
The camaraderie peaked during the team’s first dinner, as they seized the moment to laud their newly crowned African king officially. A video posted on the team’s official X account captured the poignant moment when Patrick Pascal, the team’s coordinator, led the homage to Osimhen.
“Welcome the king, Osimhen,” Pascal announced, prompting a standing ovation and thunderous applause from teammates and officials alike.
In a touching gesture, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Ibrahim Gusau, extended congratulations to Osimhen, commending his monumental achievement. Prayers followed, expressing gratitude for Osimhen’s success.
“Osimhen’s pivotal role in our quest for victory in AFCON is undeniable,” mentioned a team member.
As the linchpin in Nigeria’s offensive strategies, Osimhen is poised to be the primary goal scorer when AFCON’s 34th edition commences in Cote d’Ivoire. His remarkable goal-scoring prowess in 2023 positions him as the beacon of hope for a fourth continental crown for the Super Eagles.
“With his form, Osimhen is a strong contender for AFCON’s Best Player, a feat not achieved by a Nigerian since Rashidi Yekini,” highlighted a football pundit.
The 2023 AFCON, commencing on Jan. 13 and culminating on Feb. 11, anticipates Osimhen’s stellar performance, igniting hopes for Nigerian football enthusiasts worldwide. (with NAN report)
