The three-time winners won a silver medal at the continental championships after falling to host Cote d’Ivoire in the final
Nigeria hero Emmanuel Amuneke is convinced that the world did not see the best of Victor Osimhen at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, Soccernet.ng reports.
Osimhen was one of Nigeria’s most impactful players as the Super Eagles reached the final of the tournament for the first time in eleven years.
The Napoli striker scored Nigeria’s first goal at the championship against Equatorial Guinea and won penalties against Cote d’Ivoire in the group stages and South Africa in the semifinals.
He also provided a crucial assist for Ademola Lookman to net Nigeria’s first goal against Cameroon in the Round of 16.
Osimhen’s one goal and one assist, however, pales compared to what many expected of the reigning Africa Player of the Year at the continent’s biggest football festival.
Former Barcelona winger Amuneke believes the Super Eagles’ defensive set-up throughout the tournament was at fault for Osimhen’s low output.
Amuneke, who scored two goals in the final of the 1994 AFCON to help secure Nigeria’s second title, maintains that Osimhen spent more time defending than attacking in Cote d’Ivoire.
“You know, in this AFCON, Osimhen spent a lot of time helping the team to defend,” Amuneke told News Central TV.
“And when you have a striker that is so dangerous, move a lot, and then at the end of the day, he is coming to defend. I think it reduces his quality.
“Osimhen is a player that when you look at him, moves a lot and needs players that can actually, you know, give him those balls into spaces where he can become effective and functional.
“Chukwueze and Simon Moses likewise, but of course, you must have players that can complement the effort of these players.”
Osimhen, alongside other Super Eagles players, was awarded national honours by the presidency on Tuesday for their excellent conduct in Cote d’Ivoire.