Victor Osimhen Hilariously Nicknamed Rey Mysterio After Nigeria's AFCON Heartbreak

• Osimhen has courted online criticism following his underwhelming display at AFCON
• A section of fans have trolled the Lagos-born striker by nicknaming him Rey Mysterio
• Osimhen scored just one goal during the 2023 edition of the continental tournament

Netizens have hilariously nicknamed Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, following Nigeria's heartbreak in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Napoli striker was part of Nigeria's squad that lost the 2023 AFCON final against hosts, Ivory Coast, on Sunday night.

The Super Eagles were favourites heading into the final, having enjoyed an incredible run in the competition that saw them beat Ivory Coast in the group stages.

The Jose Peseiro-tutored side looked on course to win the tie after opening the scoring through William Troost-Ekong in the 38th minute.

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However, the hosts staged a dramatic comeback after the break, with Franck Kessie and Sebastian Haller finding the back of the net.

Fans troll Osimhen with Rey Mysterio nickname

Osimhen, Nigeria's most expensive player, staged a muted performance during the final, with the striker failing to threaten the Ivory Coast defence.

According to Soccernet, the Napoli ace managed just one goal through the competition, with his underwhelming display earning him criticism online.

Some fans have hilariously nicknamed him Rey Mysterio, perhaps due to his face mask.

@Positiv15591120 joked:

"So sad what happened to Rey Mysterio and his team mates...😭😭😭. I blame South Africans for what happened to Nigeria."

@aey_dear added:

"Rey Mysterio hasn't been himself since Siyanda Xulu pocketed him."

@don_ilag wondered:

"How did Victor Osimen become Rey Mysterio? Ayew, come and see ooo😂😂😂."

Osimhen, like the wrestling icon, is identified by his face mask, which has become the hallmark of his identity.

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Why does Osimhen wear a mask?

Apparently, the 25-year-old sports the mask for a profound reason.

Sporting News reports that the former Lille star suffered multiple facial fractures in a clash of heads with Inter Milan defender, Milan Skriniar, back in November 2021.

The surgeon who operated on Osimhen stated he needed three plates and six screws to carry out the procedure.

"That injury was like a near-death injury," Osimhen opened up in a previous interview. "I am the only one that felt it and I can only speak about how I felt because it was my face and body."

Osimhen happy to reach AFCON final

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Osimhen reacting to Nigeria's first appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations final in nearly a decade after beating South Africa in a semi-final clash.

The Napoli striker thought he had clinched the victory after scoring in the 88th minute, but his goal was overturned after a review by the VAR, with Bafana Bafana awarded instead.