'If I don't score, I go back defending' - Osimhen willing to put Super Eagles success above personal glory

Victor Osimhen has vowed to place the success of the Super Eagles above personal glory at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. 

In terms of goals scored, the Napoli superstar has yet to reach the heights expected of him with just one goal to his name after five appearances at the ongoing tournament in Ivory Coast. 

Having emerged top scorer in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and winning the African Footballer of the Year, understandably, most of the attention has been on the Super Eagles number 9, opening the door for Ademola Lookman  to score three goals in the last two games. 

Although he has fluffed most of the chances that came his way,  Osimhen has tormented opposition defenders with his work rate and physicality. 

The 25-year-old won the game-winning penalty against Ivory Coast, forced an own goal versus Guinea-Bissau before setting up Lookman's opener in the win against the Indomitable Lions last weekend. 

Speaking to beIN Sports via  Fil Goal after Nigeria's win against Angola, Osimhen stated: "I dream of winning the title. The last time was in 2013. I am very happy to win and qualify for the semi-finals.

"We are all in a positive mental state, and coach Jose Peseiro also has an excellent outlook on the team’s project."

He continued: "I have the mentality that if I do not score, I will go back to defending, and if I score a goal, I will also go back to defending this goal.

"Even if we are late, we must continue to believe in ourselves. I am very lucky to be with the Super Eagles. 

"It has been my dream since childhood, and we must take advantage of this start to reach the final."

Osimhen will be aiming to end his four-game goal drought  next Wednesday when the Super Eagles takes on either Bafana Bafana or Blue Sharks in the semifinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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