Jan 19 2024
Super Eagles Striker, Victor Osimhen has explained his decision to allow captain William Troost-Ekong to take a penalty during Nigeria’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, win over Ivory Coast on Thursday.
Osimhen won a penalty during the encounter after he was fouled in the box.
Many expected the Napoli attacker, who is the Super Eagles’ number one penalty taker to take the spot-kick against the host.
However, it was Troost-Ekong who stepped forward and converted the spot-kick to give the Super Eagles a 1-0 win over Ivory Coast.
Asked about the decision to allow Troost-Ekong to take the penalty against Ivory Coast, whether it was his decision or head coach Jose Peseiro’s instruction, Osimhen said at the post-match press conference:
“It was the coach. He wanted me to take it but | have to respect it, he’s the captain.
“For me, | really don’t mind who takes the penalty or who scores for the team. | want the team to win. | want the team to progress so this is the most important thing for me.”
Osimhen will now hope to lead Nigeria to victory when they face Guinea-Bissau in their final Group A tie on Monday.