AFCON 2023: Equatorial Guinea Goalkeeper Speak on Stopping Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen

• The 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations is on the horizon
• Nigeria are slated to start their campaign against Equatorial Guinea
• A Nzalang Nacional shot-stopper has opened up on stopping Victor Osimhen

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is set to dominate the continent's footballing scenes, and a host of football stars look poised to power their respective teams to the distance.

One of such players tipped to leave a mark on the tournament is Nigeria’s marquee forward, Victor Osimhen.

The 25-year-old, who was recently named Africa’s Footballer of the Year, has oftentimes shown his impeccable prowess.

The Napoli star, finding the back of the net 31 times in 39 appearances for Napoli through 2023, propelled his team to their first Scudetto championship since 1990.

Leading up to the AFCON, Osimhen continued his impressive form during the qualification series, netting 10 goals for the Super Eagles. This tally was five more than his closest rival, Patson Daka, as reported by Whoscored.

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Nonetheless, in the build-up to Nigeria’s first Cup of Nations fixture against Equatorial Guinea, the Nzalang Nacional shot-stopper Jesus Owono has opened up on plans to thwart the prolific forward.

Owono on stopping Osimhen

The Deportivo Alaves goalkeeper, during his pre-match press conference ahead of the clash against Nigeria, touched on Osimhen's abilities.

Further speaking about stopping the Napoli star, Owono, as reported by Football expert Tobi Adepoju, stated:

"I will do my best to stop Victor Osimhen and other Super Eagles players.

We were unknown in the last AFCON, and we did a great job. For this AFCON, the teams have more information about us. We train a lot, and we have prepared for the ramble."

Owono's words seem to reflect the confidence emanating from the Equatoguinean camp. Juan Micha’s team has built its recent success on outstanding defensive qualities, led by former La Liga defender Carlos Akapo.

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The Nzalang Nacional aims to pose a significant threat to Jose Peseiro’s Nigeria in the upcoming fixture.

Nigeria vs Equatorial Guinea preview

Sports Brief in a previous report previewed the AFCON clash between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.

Both teams are set to clash at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan.

The previous meeting between both teams ended in a three-one victory for Nigeria in 2018.