AFCON 2023: Moses Simon Defends Striker Victor Osimhen Over Lack of Goals

• Moses Simon has come to the defence of Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen
• Osimhen has been under the spotlight for his poor goal returns at AFCON
• The Super Eagles top striker has netted once in five games

Super Eagles winger Moses Simon has defended striker Victor Osimhen’s lack of goals in the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast after Nigeria sealed qualification to the semi-finals.

The Napoli superstar has been under the spotlight after failing to find the back of the net for the three-time African champions for four games in a row since the group stage opener against Equatorial Guinea.

According to Complete Sports, Simon noted that Osimhen cares more about Nigeria’s success rather than chasing individual accolades but is confident he will find his scoring touch again.

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“The atmosphere is good in the team. Osimhen is thinking about winning, not just scoring,” he told a press conference in Abidjan.

“If he gets a chance to score he will take it, but he’s focused on the team victory first.”

On Wednesday, February 7, the Super Eagles will face the winner of Cape Verde versus South Africa in the semi-final at the Stade la Paix in Bouake.

Osimhen breaks down after victory

Meanwhile, Victor Osimhen was emotional and was seen in tears after the Super Eagles sealed qualification to the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet reports.

The 25-year-old forward, who played an influential role for Nigeria, was visibly in tears as he returned to the dressing room after the win over Angola and had to be consoled by teammates.

The Super Eagles, seeking to the AFCON for the fourth time, will have the chance to advance to the final of the competition for the first time since 2013 when they take on the winners between Cape Verde and South Africa.

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Osimhen aims dig at Angola

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Victor Osimhen sent a sly dig at Angola after Nigeria overcame the Black Antelopes in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final on Friday.

Prior to Friday's quarter-final match, Angola's coach, Pedro Goncalves, stated that they were not worried of Nigeria despite having players that play for major European teams.

Ademola Lookman, who plays for Atalanta in Serie A, scored the only goal as the three-time champions defeated Angola.