AFCON 2023: Osimhen delighted after overcoming Cote d’Ivoire

BRANDPOWER reports that the pivotal moment arrived in the 55th minute when Osimhen, donned in green and white, earned a penalty, expertly convertedby William Troost-Ekong to secure the lead.

AFCON 2023: Osimhen delighted after overcoming Cote d’Ivoire
Victor Osimhen
Afcon 2023: osimhen delighted after overcoming cote d’ivoire
Victor osimhen

Nigeria’s forward, Victor Osimhen has expressed his delight after emerging as the standout player in the thrilling encounter against hosts Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday, securing a 1-0 victory for the Super Eagles.

Named Man of the Match, Osimhen shared his elation during a post-match press conference, emphasizing the significance of overcoming the formidable host nation.

Following a lackluster 1-1 draw in their opening match against Equatorial Guinea in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria exhibited resilience and determination, clinching a crucial win against Cote d’Ivoire, who were hosting the tournament.

BRANDPOWER reports that the pivotal moment arrived in the 55th minute when Osimhen, donned in green and white, earned a penalty, expertly convertedby William Troost-Ekong to secure the lead.

In the post-match press conference, Napoli’s prolific striker, Osimhen, openly expressed his joy at the outcome of the game.

“It’s a beautiful victory; we knew we would face a strong Ivorian  team,” he said.

Acknowledging the magnitude of the challenge posed by Cote d’Ivoire, Osimhen added,

“This match was a significant test for us, and we are thrilled to have overcome it.”

Assuring a consistent approach in upcoming matches, Osimhen emphasized adopting the same mentality displayed against the Elephants.

“In the first match, we had numerous chances that we didn’t capitalise on.

“Today wasn’t different; we maintained the same mentality,and we hope this victory brings joy to everyone.

“We will carry this mindset into the remainder of the competition,” he pledged.

Looking ahead, the Nigerian team shifts their focus to the upcomingthird match against Guinea-Bissau scheduled for Monday at the Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny in Abidjan.

“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,” he said.

Tactical switch earned us victory over Cote d ‘Ivoire – Coach

Super Eagles assistant coach, Finidi George says discipline and tactical switch in formation earned the team victory over Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Finidi said this after the pulsating match that the boys played to instructions in a very tactical game against the hosts.
“We are very happy with the victory but nothing has been done yet.
“It was a tactical game, we switched formation and had to defend most of the time and using counter attacks from the flanks.
“It’s a team (Cote d’Ivoire) that is very good on the ball, so we had to sit back a bit, close the spaces and go on counter attacks,” he said.
The coach said in spite of the win, the boys will not get carried away but work harder in their next match against Guinea Bissau on Monday.
“We will keep our cool in the next match because nothing has been achieved yet, we go all out again,” he said.
NAN reports that Nigeria who are currently second in Group A will face Guinea-Bissau on Monday at the Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny in Abidjan for their third and final round of Group A matches from 5.00 p.m.

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