Victor Osimhen was voted the Man of the Match in the Super Eagles 1-0 win over the Elephants of Ivory Coast.
The victory took Nigeria to second on the Group A table behind Equatorial Guinea, who had beaten Guinea Bissau 4-2 earlier on Thursday to go top.
The Super Eagles fans were not happy following the 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea in their first game of AFCON 2023, and they made their feelings known to the team.
Following the hard-fought win against Ivory Coast, Nigeria is now in a solid position to qualify for the next round. Victor Osimhen was in a buoyant mood as he thanked the fans.
The Napoli striker could not help but take a sly dig at the fans, who he claims motivated the team with their demands for more.
Nigerians are never satisfied – Victor Osimhen
When the Super Eagles players met during their training ahead of the game against Ivory Coast to discuss how to overcome the hosts, many saw it as just propping up for media ops.
The captain of the side, Ahmed Musa, spoke after the training but refused to reveal what they discussed. He said no matter what the Super Eagles do, people would still talk.
Well, the result of the meeting is evident for all to see.
Following the victory, Victor Osimhen said the same thing his captain said. The former Lille striker said that Super Eagles fans could not be satisfied.
In not the exact words as Musa, Victor Osimhen said that no matter what the Super Eagles do, the fans will not be satisfied.
🇳🇬 Victor Osimhen 🇳🇬
Nigeria's superstar is your TotalEnergies Man of the Match! 🌟 #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 | #CIVNGR | @Football2Gether pic.twitter.com/SKogEe0BOc
— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 18, 2024
Speaking about the fans, Victor Osimhen said, “Of course we know them. Even though we win 12-0, 7-0, they are not satisfied. It’s normal.”
Victor Osimhen did not fail to acknowledge the impact of the fans on their performance, but he still slotted in the insatiable nature of the fans.
“We know some of the Super Eagles fans. They’re like this and they push us to want to be a better team. I’m happy with this result as it gives them a lot of satisfaction. Those that are pleased are pleased.”
Osimen is happy with the win
Speaking after the game, Victor Osimhen said it feels good to have won.
According to the African Footballer of the Year, they had to rekindle the fan's confidence in the team and restore the fear teams have for the Super Eagles by beating the Elephants.
“It feels good. It was important to make a statement win. We’re happy about this result and we’ll continue to build on this momentum,” Osimhen said.
He also showed some respect to the Ivorian team, claiming the victory was not easy but that the Super Eagles deserved the win more.
🎙️ A chat with Troost Ekong 🎙️
The Penalty – Ekong; “Victor Osimhen said he want me to take it.” #AFCONwithOgaNlaMedia – Brought to you by @flyvaluejet. pic.twitter.com/XbsZNJGyQP
— Adepoju Tobi Samuel 🇳🇬 (@OgaNlaMedia) January 18, 2024
Victor Osimhen also reacted to talk about Jose Peseiro. He said the coach was also happy with the win, as it was vital to give him confidence that he was paddling in the right direction.
The Super Eagles will play their last group game on Monday against Guinea-Bissau. A win could take them top of the group.
This article was most recently revised and updated 12 months ago
