The Napoli forward reaches the continental championship’s last-four stage for the second time in his career
Victor Osimhen was emotional and had to be consoled after Nigeria progressed to the semifinal of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on Friday night, Soccernet.ng reports.
As was in the quarterfinals, where he netted a brace to shoot down Cameroon, Ademola Lookman was Nigeria’s hero again in the encounter with Angola.
The Atalanta man combined excellently with Moses Simon to net the decisive winning goal for the Super Eagles in their triumph over the Palancas Negras.
It is the second time in the past three editions that Nigeria will reach the last-four stage of the AFCON.
Osimhen was also in the Nigerian squad that made it to the semifinal of the 2019 AFCON, where he made his debut in the third-place match against Tunisia, picking up a bronze medal.
The Napoli striker has been influential in Nigeria’s excellent run in Cote d’Ivoire this time, starting all of the Super Eagles’ five matches.
And he was visibly in tears as he returned to the dressing room after the win over Angola.
In a video posted by CAF, Nigeria assistant coach George Finidi patted Osimhen on the back to lift his spirit.
When Alex Iwobi saw Osimhen being emotional, the Fulham man gave his younger compatriot a big hug, wrapping him up in his arms for several moments.
Nigeria will have the chance to advance to the final of the AFCON for the first time since 2013, when they meet the winner of the quarterfinal clash between Cape Verde and South Africa.
