AFCON 2023: Under Pressure Osimhen Urged to Calm Down Ahead of Cameroon Clash

• Segun Odegbami believes Victor Osimhen is putting himself under pressure
• The Super Eagles striker has scored one goal at the Africa Cup of Nations
• Osimhen is the reigning African Footballer of the Year

Victor Osimhen is yet to hit his peak at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, scoring only one goal in three games as the Super Eagles booked a Round of 16 spot.

The Napoli forward, rated as one of the top stars of the tournament, has underperformed so far, sparking panic from Nigerians who believe their chances of winning the AFCON title rest on the 25-year-old forward.

According to Punch, Nigeria legend Segun Odegbami has advised Osimhen to ease himself from the pressure of being the best player in Africa as he hopes to deliver the goals ahead of the Super Eagles' knockout tie against Cameroon.

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“We don’t have a solid creative midfield yet, and we are not as deadly in front of goal. When you have your chances, you must be calm and collected. I’m surprised he (Osimhen) is still under pressure; I think he should calm down.”

Osimhen has come under heavy criticism from fans for his poor finishing at the AFCON after missing several chances for the Super Eagles in the group games.

Super Eagles to battle Cameroon

Meanwhile, Nigeria will trade tackles with Cameroon in the last-16 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after Rigobert Song’s team sealed their place in the knockouts on Tuesday, January 23, Soccernet reports.

The Super Eagles were drawn to face the runners-up in Group C, which was clinched by the Indomitable Lions following their 3-2 victory over Gambia.

The last time Nigeria met Cameroon in the AFCON knockout phase was in 2019, when an Odion Ighalo brace and a brilliant Alex Iwobi goal helped the Super Eagles win 3-2 against their eternal rivals.

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Osimhen gives update on future

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has addressed his future after signing a new contract with the Italian champions Napoli last month.

The 25-year-old forward penned a new deal with Napoli until 2025 but has continued to be linked with moves to the English Premier League, with Chelsea and Arsenal interested in his signature.

Osimhen scored 30 goals in 32 Serie A games last season, guiding Napoli to their first league title in 33 years.