Peseiro banks on Osimhen for AFCON glory News

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Peseiro banks on Osimhen for AFCON glory

By Daily Sports Nigeria on September 21, 2023

Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro, is banking on Victor Osimhen’s scoring form to lead the three-time African champions to a fourth African Cup of Nations title in Ivory Coast, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Osimhen finished as the top scorer for the second AFCON qualifying series in a row after he scored 10 goals as the Eagles sealed another berth at Africa’s biggest football showpiece.

The Eagles booked their place at the tournament after finishing top of Group A with an impressive 15 points from six games.

During the 2021 AFCON qualifiers, the 24-year-old scored six goals for Nigeria as they qualified for the tournament hosted by Cameroon.

“He (Osimhen) finished the qualifying series with 10 goals and is the top scorer,” Peseiro told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Now we hope it will help us win the Africa Cup of Nations (in Ivory Coast). It was the usual Victor, happy and smiling, it’s a win-win for everyone.

“I was afraid he could come sad and instead I found him unleashed. He worked and showed beautiful things. He played fantastic games, scoring three goals against Sao Tome & Principe.”

The Eagles have been drawn in Pot 2 ahead of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations draw which holds in Ivory Coast on October 12.

Other countries in the pot are Cameroon, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana and South Africa.

Nigeria alongside defending champions Senegal and North African powerhouse Egypt as well as World Cup semi-finalists Morocco are among the pre-tournament favourites.

Despite several tempting offers from top clubs in Europe and Saudi Arabia, Peseiro was also delighted to see Osimhen remain at Napoli.

The Nigerian hitman who has two years remaining on his Napoli contract was linked with a move away from the Serie A club this summer after leading the Partenopei to their first league title in 33 years last season after scoring 22 goals in 27 topflight matches.

Manchester United, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Al-Hilal were among the clubs keen to sign the Nigerian striker.

“At first he (Osimhen) thought about leaving, but then he decided to stay and do his best in Napoli,” Peseiro continued.

“I understand that in the face of certain offers one can waver, two seasons in Arabia are worth more than 10 in Europe but money is not everything. Victor has improved a lot in Italy.

“And I’m happy to see him still competing for big goals in Europe. He is happy in Napoli. For his growth path, staying in Europe and showing off in the Champions League remains the best way. He is young and has time to prove his talent.”

Source Punch Ng

Posted September 21, 2023