Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen finally addressed the backlash over his behavior during Nigeria’s recent Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
Speaking candidly, the forward reflected on the pressure of leading the Super Eagles.
“When we did not qualify for the World Cup, everyone called just me out. They forgot about other players. That’s when I understood the weight is on me,” Osimhen said. He added that, despite Nigeria scoring three goals in recent matches, players must remain vigilant. “Yes, we scored three goals already, but in football, five goals can be scored in three minutes. That’s why we did not have to relax. The whole country is counting on us, and if we fail, they’ll drag us everywhere—especially me.”
Osimhen also defended teammate Ademola Lookman, emphasizing their strong bond. “I love Lookman, he is my brother and he understands that was just football. Everyone wants Nigeria to win the AFCON and it doesn’t come easy. We must do our best.”
The striker’s statement underlines both the immense expectations on Nigeria’s stars and his personal commitment to carrying the team through the tournament.
jeuacenot
200
the team needs an apology from you but here you are trying to defend your actions, no matter how you want to explain it, that attitude I saw yesterday was unjustifiable.
honbdelot
115
If u can bring down ur ego and see other players like professionals that makes professional decisions as u do, it will help a lot,stop shouting to ur fellow team mates as if they r ur boys,u don't do that at Turkey.
Vonbceklot
85
we appreciate ur desire to be vigilant and not to be relaxed but which Nigerians blamed you for not qualifying for World Cup? if my memory serves me right, I will say you are the only player that was singled out by Nigerians for praise in view of your hardworking mentality... only osimen was exonerated from blame as far as I know.... so you best apologize to Lookman and go and "sin no more"
fadbcknprz
65
there was no reason for that attitude... leading 3-0 at a dieing minute!Come on Victor you can do better.Even your statetems here still carries alot of pride...Pride kills personality but let me tell you this today...lookman is a far better player than you are when it comes to talent so respect your self and your team mates...
Biyacisty
33
we understand your commitment for the team, but u should understand that so do other players hv same commitment. so please don't take too much load on your self , share responsibility n learn to control your anger n frustrations in the field of play. Nigerians are with u. Good luck guys.
Davichi
28
He's right. Osimhen has the weight on his shoulders because he's one of the best CF in the world. However, there are other ways to motivate or communicate with your team mates. I can never forget what I consider the best UCL final I have ever seen and it wasn't about Messi or Ronaldo, it was about Gerard with Liverpool. They were 3 goals down at half time against AC Milan and they came back in the 2nd half with low moral, but after Gerard scored the first goal, he made some gestures towards his teammates and the fans to raise their spirits and the rest was history... Liverpool won the UCL final on penalties. Those of us who watched that match together felt what the captain did as though we were right on the field with him... so it's OK to keep your teammates on their toes, but find better ways to do it.
GiftofIsis
16
nice! buh what he did, if we were losing, could have given the game away already. please, you guys have to be unified and united.💯
seuacenprs
15
the team needs an apology from you but here you are trying to defend your actions, no matter how you want to explain it, that attitude I saw yesterday was unjustifiable.
he owes nobody any apologies because he's doing the right by cautioning his teammates not to loose focus because they have scored just 3 goals....osimhen is a complete baller, he plays with passion and love for the beautiful game and for the flag he represents
Tuycilmoty
11
the team needs an apology from you but here you are trying to defend your actions, no matter how you want to explain it, that attitude I saw yesterday was unjustifiable.
shut up which apology lookman was comfortable with the result at that time
Vepabikmz
10
the team needs an apology from you but here you are trying to defend your actions, no matter how you want to explain it, that attitude I saw yesterday was unjustifiable.
mumu sorry 4wat wat he did was right because of next time