As Nigeria faces Ivory Coast, all eyes will be on Osimhen to see if he can lead his team to victory and etch his name in the annals of African football history.
As the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 unfolds, Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian striker, stands on the brink of making history.
Here's a look at three significant records he might break in the upcoming match against Ivory Coast.
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1. Equaling Topscorer Records
Osimhen has the opportunity to join the ranks of Nigerian legends like Segun Odegbami, Rashidi Yekini, and Odion Ighalo by finishing as either the topscorer or joint topscorer of the 2023 AFCON. His impressive scoring record at Napoli, where he bagged 31 goals last season, indicates his potential to replicate this success on the continental stage.
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AFCON 2023: Why the Super Eagles should be confident against Ivory Coast
Despite a false start against Equatorial Guinea, the underlying numbers are promising for the Super Eagles heading into their second group-stage fixture against the Elephants on Thursday.
2. Surpassing the Single Edition Goal Record
No Nigerian has ever scored more than five goals in a single AFCON edition. Osimhen, riding high on his recent form, has the potential to surpass this threshold. His goal-scoring prowess was evident when he matched Rashidi Yekini and Odion Ighalo's record of five goals in a single tournament. If Nigeria progresses deep into the tournament, Osimhen might just set a new benchmark.
3. Becoming the Most Valuable Player
With his recent accolades, including being named the best player in Serie A and finishing eighth in the 2023 Ballon d’Or, Osimhen is a strong contender for the Most Valuable Player award at AFCON 2023. Winning this would make him the fourth Nigerian to achieve this feat, joining the likes of Christian Chukwu, Rashidi Yekini, and Jay Jay Okocha.
19:10 - 17.01.2024
Nigeria have more talents in their team - Ivory Coast coach ahead of the clash with Super Eagles
Jose Peseiro and his men will have their work cut out when facing a high-confidence Cote d'Ivoire, which will have the backing of a vocal crowd at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium.
4. Osimhen's Journey and Expectations
Osimhen's journey has been marked by his meteoric rise since the under-17 World Cup in 2015. His achievements at Napoli and his recognition as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Player of the Year underscore his status as one of the deadliest finishers in football today.
13:30 - 17.01.2024
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The coach sought God's intervention during the pre-match press conference on Wednesday.
His role is crucial for Nigeria, especially with the team's recent challenges and the high expectations placed on his performance. Nigerian fans and football enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating his impact in this year's AFCON, where he has a chance to cement his legacy.