In the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire, Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has emphasized the absence of underdogs in the tournament, cautioning against underestimating lower-ranked teams. The AFCON has witnessed surprising outcomes, with traditional powerhouses Ghana, Algeria, and Tunisia being eliminated, while smaller nations like Mauritania, Namibia, Cape Verde, and Equatorial Guinea have demonstrated their strength.
Nigeria, initially expected to dominate Group A alongside Cote d’Ivoire, found themselves surpassed by Equatorial Guinea, who topped the group with an impressive seven points, including a 4-0 victory against the hosts. Osimhen, who has featured prominently for the Super Eagles, acknowledged the heightened pressure on Nigeria due to its footballing stature but stressed the need for vigilance in a competition where every team poses a challenge.
Despite reaching the knockout stage, Osimhen believes there is still work to be done, emphasizing the team’s focus on the upcoming clash against struggling Cameroon. The Napoli striker highlighted the importance of maintaining concentration from the first whistle to the end, recognizing that success in AFCON requires being at the top of their game.
