The Nigerian forward could crown a spectacular last 12 months with the biggest prize in African football
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has revealed he would feel fulfilled to lead Nigeria to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d'Ivoire, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria are at the 34th edition of the AFCON, aiming to claim their fourth continental crown following previous triumphs in 1980, 1994, and 2013.
Osimhen, reigning Africa Footballer of the Year, is Nigeria's biggest star in the tournament, and he is one of the major reasons many believe an unbalanced Super Eagles squad is among the favourites to unseat defending champions Senegal.
The 25-year-old forward is not new to making the near-impossible a reality, though.
Osimhen played an important role last year as Napoli upset the odds to win the Italian Serie A title, the club's third in history and a first in more than thirty years.
He scored countless goals, set several new records – including being the first African to win the top scorer award in the Italian elite division – and has won numerous awards.
Still, Osimhen believes winning the AFCON with the Super Eagles would outshine all the individual and club achievements he has enjoyed.
The Napoli striker even suggested he might consider drawing the curtain on his international career should he help Nigeria win AFCON 2023.
“It would be one of the best moments of my life,” Osimhen told AFP, as per Footmercato.
“I did it with Napoli, I made history, but whatever I do, whatever the number of goals I score, winning the CAN, it would be a big step in my life.
“But probably when I do, I will be done with my (international) career.
“I'm really looking forward to winning something with the Super Eagles. I have always aimed high ever since I was a child, and this pressure comes naturally to me. I'm the type of person who doesn't buckle under pressure. I’m the type of person who doesn’t give in under pressure.”
Nigerians will, however, not welcome the idea of seeing Osimhen calling it quits with the national team in the event of winning the AFCON.
Next on the agenda of the Super Eagles after lifting the continental trophy should be qualifying for and possibly winning the FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria failed to make it to the last edition in Qatar and will be banking on Osimhen's goals to qualify for the next tournament.
Tnks my son for all you have done helping our country to be globally but pls am not in suport of you plan you must worlɗ cup and become worlɗ best that my prayer for in name of JESUS CHRIST Amen
“Nigerians will however not welcome the idea of seeing Osimhen calling it quit….” But is Nigeria ready to do the necessary things that will ensures the country qualifies and excels at the World Cup?
The NFF has killed football ⚽️ in Nigeria, they have no idea how things are run, and is it with this kind of clueless trainer who cannot read games that Nigeria hopes to make a name at the global stage? lf not because of the pressure from.all quarters on Peseiro, Uzoho, the worst goalkeeper the Eagles has ever had, would have been in goal in lvory Coast to give Nigerians further heart attack
The NFF management of football affairs in Nigeria and the overall low output of the Eagles (even though the team is full.of individual talents).leaves much to be desired; And until things are properly streamlined,.Osimhen, l beg, hang your boots. You have done enough for your country.
Wetin you tok? I no go beat you, repeat am make i hear no tok wetin thunder go fire you here oo