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Tag: Victor Osimhen

  • AFCON 2023: Victor Osimhen will score against Cameroon – Super Eagles coach, Peseiro predicts

    AFCON 2023: Victor Osimhen will score against Cameroon – Super Eagles coach, Peseiro predicts

    Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro has predicted that star striker, Victor Osimhen will score against Cameroon in the round of 16 encounter on Saturday.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Peseiro made the prediction on Friday in Abidjan at a pre-match press conference ahead of the epic clash.

    Peseiro expressed optimism that Osimhen would be firing in all cylinders from the knockout stage of the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    “For our next match (against Cameroon), Osimhen will score; he’s important for the team. He’s the top scorer, but this is a different tournament and tough competition.

    “He deserves to reach the top position because against Equatorial Guinea, he created so many chances and he scored.

    “Did Equatorial Guinea beat us? No, we shared the points, and I know we will beat them next time because it’s not easy in this competition,” Peseiro said.

    The Portuguese gaffer said the team’s approach against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon on Saturday is to defend as a unit, while being clinical in front of the opposition goal.

    “I don’t want to concede goals tomorrow (Saturday), I want to score at least one. If we do this, we will beat Cameroon,” Peseiro said.

    Recall that the coach’s switch to a more defensive 3-4-3 formation in the group stage had resulted in scrappy wins against Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau and a draw against eventual group A leaders Equatorial Guinea.

    The coach said the most important thing at this stage was to win and advance to the quarter-finals stage.

    The Portuguese tactician also dispelled rumours on a rift with Leicester City forward, Kelechi Iheanacho, who has not featured in the tournament, owing to earlier injury.

    He hinted at the forward seeing some action in the crucial clash with Cameroon.

    “There are a lot of negative stories out there. If there was something between us, Kelechi would not be here. I will not invite him.

    “He was injured before the competition and was not with us in Abu Dhabi. He arrived before our first game and started work the following day.

    “We have to work with our doctors on his recovery process. We believe in Kelechi, he is going to play and score for us in this competition,” Peseiro said.

    Nigeria and Cameroon will clash in a blockbuster Round of 16 tie slated for the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan, at the on-going 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.

    The Super Eagles will wrap up their preparations for the game with a training session at the Ecole Nationale de Police training pitch on Friday evening.

    The last time both teams clashed at the 2019 AFCON, the Super Eagles came from behind to eliminate the Lions 3-2, in a thrilling encounter.

  • AFCON 2023: Rema on same level with Burna Boy, Davido – Osimhen

    AFCON 2023: Rema on same level with Burna Boy, Davido – Osimhen

    Super Eagles striker and current African footballer of the year, Victor Osimhen has rated artiste, Rema very high, thus putting him on same pedestal with Burna Boy and Wizkid in the global music industry.

    According to Osimhen, Rema is currently one of the “biggest artists” in the world.

    Speaking further, the reigning African player of the year, however, said Grammy-nominated singer, Asake; Seyi Vibez, and Omah Lay are still scratching the surface of their careers in terms of global domination.

    Speaking in a recent interview with CBS Sports Golazo, the striker expressed optimism that Asake, Seyi Vibez, and Omah Lay would be as big as Wizkid and Davido in a few years.

    “Aside from Wizkid and Davido, we have Asake, Seyi Vibez, Omah Lay, and Rema. Rema is one of the biggest artists now in the world,” he said.

    “Rema is there [top of global music] but these guys that I called, Omah Lay, Asake, and Seyi Vibez are also on the come up. In a few years, they are really going to burst out just like Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy.

    “So, for me, it’s really good to be coming from Nigeria.”

  • AFCON 2023: Osimhen’s confidence level has dropped a little – Udeze

    AFCON 2023: Osimhen’s confidence level has dropped a little – Udeze

    Former Super Eagles defender Ifeanyi Udeze has claimed that the confidence level of Victor Osimhen has dropped a little bit.

    The ex-paok Thessaloniki of Greece defender said the pointman is really under pressure to score goals at the 2023 ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Ivory Coast.

    Udeze made this known while on his social media platforms.

    Osimhen has been only able to score just a goal but has missed many chances to register more goals at the ongoing AFCON.

    “For me, Osimhen is under pressure; that’s why he is trying everything possible to score,” Udeze told Brila FM.

    “The pressure is affecting him and I think his confidence level has dropped a little bit whenever he faces the opponent goalpost, so he needs to get his confidence back.”

    Osimhen will hope to find his scoring boot when Nigeria face Cameroon in the AFCON round of 16 this weekend.

  • AFCON 2023: What Osimhen said after Super Eagles win over Côte d’Ivoire

    AFCON 2023: What Osimhen said after Super Eagles win over Côte d’Ivoire

    Nigeria’s forward, Victor Osimhen has expressed his delight after emerging as the standout player in the thrilling encounter against hosts Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday, securing a 1-0 victory for the Super Eagles.

    Named Man of the Match, Osimhen shared his elation during a post-match press conference, emphasising the significance of overcoming the formidable host nation.

    Following a lacklustre 1-1 draw in their opening match against Equatorial Guinea in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria exhibited resilience and determination, clinching a crucial win against Cote d’Ivoire, who were hosting the tournament.

    The pivotal moment arrived in the 55th minute when Osimhen, donned in green and white, earned a penalty, expertly converted by William Troost-Ekong to secure the lead.

    In the post-match press conference, Napoli’s prolific striker, Osimhen, openly expressed his joy at the outcome of the game.

    “It’s a beautiful victory; we knew we would face a strong Ivorian  team,” he said.

    Acknowledging the magnitude of the challenge posed by Cote d’Ivoire, Osimhen added,

    “This match was a significant test for us, and we are thrilled to have overcome it.”

    Assuring a consistent approach in upcoming matches, Osimhen emphasised adopting the same mentality displayed against the Elephants.

    “In the first match, we had numerous chances that we didn’t capitalise on.

    “Today wasn’t different; we maintained the same mentality,and we hope this victory brings joy to everyone.

    “We will carry this mindset into the remainder of the competition,” he pledged.

    Looking ahead, the Nigerian team shifts their focus to the upcoming third match against Guinea-Bissau scheduled for Monday at the Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny in Abidjan.

    “We aim for a strong performance against Guinea-Bissau.

    “They will undoubtedly approach the game with determination, and we won’t underestimate any team, considering what they’ve done to qualify,” he said.

  • Côte d’Ivoire vs Nigeria: Peseiro sweating over Osimhen, Yusuf

    Côte d’Ivoire vs Nigeria: Peseiro sweating over Osimhen, Yusuf

    Coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Jose Peseiro, says Victor Osimhen is likely to play against host Côte d’Ivoire on Thursday in Abidjan.

    Peseiro, who made this known in an interview on Tuesday in Abidjan, said the Napoli FC of Italy striker complained when he arrived for training on Monday.

    He, however, expressed hope that the African footballer of the year would be fit to face Côte d’Ivoire.

    The Portuguese said he wasn’t sure if Alhassan Yusuf would be available as he had gone for a scan and the result was being awaited.

    “When he told me, I prefered him doing nothing, it’s prevention, only that. But for Yusuf he left the match injured.

    “He is doing a scan now, no reality yet of what is happening to him, I hope nothing bad happened,” Peseiro said.

    Recall the Super Eagles came from a goal down on Sunday to force Equatorial Guinea to a 1-1 draw in their opening match of the competition.

    The Super Eagles will have OC Nice FC of France striker, Terem Moffi, Leicester City of England playmaker, Kelechi Iheanacho to choose from when the three-time African champion face the host, the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire, on Thursday.

  • AFCON 2023: Winning the trophy will be an icing on the cake – Osimhen

    AFCON 2023: Winning the trophy will be an icing on the cake – Osimhen

    Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has hinted that winning the AFCON in Cote D’Ivoire will put an icing on the cake for him.

    Recall that last season, Osimhen won the Serie A title with Napoli and finished 2023 as the CAF African Footballer of the Year.

    The 25-year-old also finished eighth in the Ballon d’Or rankings in the year 2023.

    However, Osimhen feels lifting the Cup of Nations with Nigeria will speak volume for him and teammates in the Super Eagles.

    Ahead of Nigeria’s second group match at the ongoing AFCON, Osimhen admitted that winning the trophy “would be one of the best moments” of his life.

    “I have done that with Napoli; I have made history, but no matter what I do, no matter how many goals I have scored, to be able to win the AFCON, I would go a long way in my life but probably when I do that, I am done,” he admitted.

    “I am really looking forward to winning something with the Super Eagles.”

  • Best FIFA award: See full list of winners

    Best FIFA award: See full list of winners

    The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) held its The Best award on Monday night in London, United Kingdom (UK).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Lionel Messi claimed his third FIFA The Best men’s award at the award night.

    Messi won the FIFA The Best men’s award ahead of Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Paris Saint-Germain forward, Kylian Mbappé.

    His eternal rival, Cristiano Ronaldo and Nigerian star striker Victor Osimhen were left out.

    Messi’s former manager at Barcelona and City’s head coach, Pep Guardiola won FIFA Men’s Coach of the Year.

    Barcelona and Spain midfielder, Aitana Bonmatí took home The Best women’s award to add to her Ballon d’Or Féminin title.

    THE BEST FIFA AWARD FULL LIST OF WINNERS:

    Puskás Award: Guilherme Madruga (Botafogo-SP)

    FIFA Fair Play Award: Brazil senior men’s players

    FIFA Fan Award: Hugo Miguel Iñiguez

    Men’s Coach of the Year: Pep Guardiola

    Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Éderson (Man City)

    Men’s World XI:

    Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)

    Defence: John Stones (Man City), Kyle Walker (Man City), Rúben Dias (Man City)

    Midfield: Bernardo Silva (Man City), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Kevin De Bruyne (Man City)

    Forwards: Erling Haaland (Man City), Kylian Mbappé (PSG), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)

    Women’s Coach of the Year: Sarina Wiegman

    Goalkeeper of the Year: Mary Earps (Man United)

    Women’s World XI:

    Goalkeeper: Earps (Man United)

    Defence: Olga Carmona (Real Madrid), Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Alex Greenwood (Man City)

    Midfield: Keira Walsh (Man City), Alessia Russo (Arsenal), Lauren James (Chelsea), Ella Toone (Man United), Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona)

    Attack: Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave), Sam Kerr (Chelsea)

  • Osimhen lambastes agent who linked him to Saudi Arabia

    Osimhen lambastes agent who linked him to Saudi Arabia

    Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has lambasted the agent of his Napoli team-mate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Mamuka Jugeli for linking him to Saudi Arabia.

    Jugeli said that Osimhen will leave the Serie A champions for Saudi Arabia next year.

    Osimhen, who just landed in Abidjan with the rest of national teammates tp prosecute AFCON matches for his country has now fired back at the agent with strong words.

    He took to his Instagram story to slam Jugeli, describing him as “a disgrace”.

    “Dear Mamuka Jugeli, you are a piece of filth and a disgrace.

    “I’m embarrassed at your sense of reasoning. Dumb f**k! KEEP MY NAME OUT OF YOUR MOUTH,” the post read.

    Osimhen recently put pen to paper on a new contract with Napoli, which includes a release clause of around €120 million.

  • Super Eagles officially honour Osimhen for POTY award in camp

    Super Eagles officially honour Osimhen for POTY award in camp

    Super Eagles players and coaches have officially honoured Victor Osimhen at the team’s Abu Dhabi camp, after winning the men’s African Player of the Year (POTY) award.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Osimhen became the first Nigerian after Nwankwo Kanu in 1999 to win the CAF POTY award as the best player on the continent in December.

    This was after he powered Napoli to their first Scudetto title in 33 years  and topping the goalscorer chart during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.

    However, since Osimhen’s triumph at the CAF award ceremony, the Super Eagles had not met as a team.

    Nigeria’s last engagement was in November when the Super Eagles, who had Osimhen out injured, were forced to two consecutive 1-1 draws by Lesotho and Zimbabwe in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

    The Super Eagles are, however, gathered in their training camp in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, as they step up preparations for the AFCON in Cote d Ivoire  this month.

    The national team camp opened on Tuesday, with 24 out of the 25 invited players already working with head coach Jose Peseiro.

    Only Leicester City’s striker Kelechi Iheanacho is being awaited as he recovers from an injury threatening his participation at the tournament.

    Osimhen and William Troost-Ekong were among the last players to arrive in camp.

    The team’s first dinner together on Friday, therefore presented the Super Eagles the perfect opportunity to officially congratulate the current African king.

    A video shared on the team’s official X account on Saturday, saw Patrick Pascal, the team’s coordinator, call out Osimhen for special recognition.

    He was honoured with a standing ovation and resounding claps by his teammates and officials.

    “On behalf of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Ibrahim Gusau, the board members, the coach, team officials, the Captain and the players of the Super Eagles, please help me welcome the king, Osimhen ,” Pascal said.

    He officially welcomed Osimhen and praised him for winning the prestigious award, adding that the NFF as well as the entire country was proud of his achievements.

    Prayers were thereafter offered to thank God for giving him the victory.

    NAN also reports that Osimhen will be Nigeria’s primary goal outlet when proceedings kick off at the 34th edition of the AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.

    The Napoli forward was Nigeria’s most prolific goalscorer in 2023.

    As the best striker on the continent, he will be expected to lead the Super Eagles’ charge for a fourth continental crown.

    Osimhen could become the first Nigerian player since Rashidi Yekini to win the AFCON as the Best Player on the continent.

    The 2023 AFCON which kicks off on Jan. 13 will end on Feb. 11.

  • EPL: Osimhen set to sign pre-contract agreement with Chelsea

    EPL: Osimhen set to sign pre-contract agreement with Chelsea

    Despite signing a new contract at Napoli recently, Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen is prepared to  sign a pre-contract agreement with Chelsea, according to TEAMtalk.

    Findings show that the forward who’s currently at the Abu Dhabi  camp with rest of Super Eagles teammates  in preparations for the forthcoming AFCON has made up his mind to leave the Serie A champions this summer.

    However, the 25-year-old, who now has a release clause of around £112m, will not be moving this month.

    But Osimhen is willing to sign a pre-agreement in January, before making the move to Chelsea at the end of the season.

    The report claims former Chelsea players, Didier Drogba and John Obi Mikel have been in regular contact with Osimhen, hoping to persuade him to join the Blues.

    Chelsea have been keen to add a top centre-forward to their ranks for the majority of this season and have Osimhen at the top of their list.