Super Eagles star striker Victor Osimhen has said that he is not feeling any pressure to perform at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which is underway in Ivory Coast.
Osimhen scored the lone goal in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea in there opening game and won the penalty which was converted by William Troost-Ekong in their 1-0 victory over the host nation.
He has however been accused of missing crucial chances for the Eagles most especially in the group opener.
The 25-year-old who was crowned the African Player of the Year in 2023, told reporters in Abidjan that he is focused on helping the team win the continental trophy, rather than his individual accolades.
“I am not under pressure,” Osimhen said.
“I have won the title (African Player of the Year), but it’s now in the past. What is most important for me now is to do well with the team, make sure the team do well and win the AFCON.”
Osimhen, who plays for Napoli in Italy, scored 10 goals in the qualifiers to help Nigeria top their group and book their ticket to the AFCON.
However, he said that he is ready to sacrifice his personal glory for the team’s success, even if it means sitting on the bench.
“I don’t care about my individual performance. I could be on the bench and the other players get the job done,” he said.
Nigeria will face Guinea-Bissau in their third game in Group A on Monday, knowing that a draw is enough to see them through to the knockout stage.
