After conquering Serie A with Napoli and being crowned African Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen sets his sights on the ultimate prize: hoisting the Africa Cup of Nations trophy for Nigeria.
“It would be one of the best moments of my life,” the 25-year-old striker confided to AFP in Abidjan, where the Super Eagles prepare for their crucial second Group A clash against hosts Ivory Coast on Thursday.
Osimhen, the talisman of a talent-laden Nigerian squad, understands the weight of expectation from a nation of over 220 million people. Yet, he embraces the pressure.
“I’ve always aimed high, and this pressure comes naturally,” he declared, overlooking Abidjan’s Cocody Bay from the team hotel. “I thrive under it, using it to fuel my performance for club and country.”
His 26-goal haul for Napoli last season, instrumental in their first Scudetto since 1990, earned him the African Player of the Year award ahead of heavyweights like Achraf Hakimi and Mohamed Salah.
“It’s the dream of every young African player,” Osimhen beamed, still basking in the glow of a recent interview with Togolese legend Emmanuel Adebayor. “It’s proof of all the sweat and tears poured into my craft.”
Leading Nigeria to their first AFCON triumph since 2013 would catapult him into the pantheon of Nigerian greats like Nwankwo Kanu and Jay-Jay Okocha, figures he reveres.
“They were my childhood inspirations,” Osimhen acknowledged. “To join their ranks, even without surpassing their footballing prowess, would be immense.”
Fresh from a new contract at Napoli, where he emphasizes his “good relationship” with president Aurelio De Laurentiis, Osimhen is determined to erase the disappointment of past AFCONs.
“In 2019, I learned under Odion Ighalo, my big brother,” he explained. “Missing the 2022 tournament due to injury was devastating, but now I’m here, and it’s a dream come true.”
Despite his star power, Osimhen emphasizes his team-first mentality. “A lot of people see me as the key, but I’m more about the collective,” he asserted. “Together, we have the quality to have a tournament to be proud of.”
A draw against Equatorial Guinea in their opener added pressure to the Ivory Coast clash. “The first game was disappointing,” Osimhen admitted. “We need to get it right against a tougher opponent.”
If Osimhen can inspire the Super Eagles to victory over the Elephants, it will only amplify the anticipation for what he might achieve on the continental stage. With his ambition, talent, and unwavering confidence, the African king’s crown might just be the next jewel in his glittering collection.
