AFCON 2021: Victor Osimhen reveals why he supported Senegal’s Lions after Super Eagles’ elimination

The Nigerian international missed the continental championship due to Coronavirus, but one of his favourite teams eventually lifted the title

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has revealed that he supported Senegal at the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations after Nigeria exited the tournament at the first knockout round.

The Super Eagles were the best team of the group stages, winning their games against Egypt, Sudan, and Guinea-Bissau.

But the Augustine Eguavoen-led side was dumped out of the tourney by Tunisia, allowing Osimhen to throw his backing behind club teammate Kalidou Koulibaly and Senegal.

The Teranga Lions eventually lifted the trophy, the country’s first-ever Afcon honour, beating Mohamed Salah’s Egypt on penalties in Sunday’s final.

And Osimhen says he cheered the Lions all the way because of the admiration he has for their inspirational captain. The former Lille hitman maintains that he feels at peace at Napoli because Koulibaly is one of those always looking to be of help to him, even if the Senegalese shifts no ground in training.

“In training he (Koulibaly) never lets me score. (But) I cheered for him when Nigeria went out (of the AFCON),” Osimhen told the Republican as per TuttoNapoli.

“Whenever good can be done with him, there is no need to insist. At Napoli, I found very supportive companions. When there is a fundraiser or find money for an initiative, he (Koulibaly) tells me: tell me, ask me, what can I do?

“He is not alone; Fabian Ruiz and Mertens are also always available.”

Even in the absence of their key defender Koulibaly, Napoli have risen to second on the Italian Serie A table, behind Inter Milan. Osimhen scored the opening goal in his first start since his return from injury, in Napoli’s 2-0 win at Venezia at the weekend.