AFCON 2023: Nigerian fans pray against injury on Victor Osimhen
FootballVictor Osimhen: Fans React to Super Eagles Striker Winning MOTM After Nigeria Beat Ivory Coast
- The Super Eagles of Nigeria beat Ivory Coast 1-0 in their second game of the AFCON
- William Troost-Ekong scored a second-half penalty after Victor Osimhen was fouled
- The Napoli star was awarded the Man of the Match gong and fans have since reacted
Victor Osimhen has been awarded the man of the match gong after the Super Eagles of Nigeria beat host country, Ivory Coast in their second AFCON game.
Nigeria came into the match with all odds stacked against them after the Ivorian government declared a public holiday and mobilised fans en masse at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium.
Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong scored a second-half penalty after Ousmane Diomande fouled Osimhen in the box, kicking the striker's heel, with the VAR intervening.
The Napoli star was withdrawn with two minutes left in regulation time and replaced by Trabzonspor striker, Paul Onuachu, who brilliantly saw out the rest of the game.
Fans react to Osimhen MOTM
Surprisingly, the 24-year-old was named the CAF man of the match. Naming Osimhen as the game's best player led to reactions from fans of the football-loving West African nation.
@Dannyben_ replied:
"Should have been Bassey or Aina."
@akeba090 wrote:
"Dem don dey Messi for Osimhen o"
@iam_wilsons replied:
"Bad decision for me. Aina or Calvin Bassey"
@chude__ wrote:
"Same vibe: Lionel Messi."
@onoriode wrote:
"This is a popularity award, why are you guys surprised? There were at least 4 players who played better than Osimhen."
Nigeria were under siege from the Ivorians in the second half, and it took the resilience of Ola Aina and Calvin Bassey in defence to bail them out of the attacks.
The Super Eagles have four points after two games, tied with Equatorial Guinea, who have a superior goal difference.
A win against Guinea Bissau could help Nigeria top the group if Ivory Coast prevents Nzalang Nacional from picking up maximum points.
Nigeria coach dismisses concerns his team are top-heavy ahead of AFCON
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Osimhen and Drogba share moment
Sports Brief also reported on Osimhen and Didier Drogba sharing a moment inside the tunnel as the Super Eagles were heading out for a late warmup before kick-off.
The pair had a moment of laughter and a brief chat. The reigning African Footballer of the Year idolises the Ivorian legend and their style of playing shares similarities.