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Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has highlighted the level playing field at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, dismissing the notion of underdogs in the tournament.
The competition this year has been a showcase of unexpected twists, with traditionally dominant teams being ousted early and lesser-known squads proving their mettle.
AFCON 2023: A Tournament of Surprises
This year's Africa Cup of Nations has been a rollercoaster, defying expectations at every turn. Football giants like Ghana, Algeria, and Tunisia have made early exits, much to the shock of fans and pundits alike.
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10:05 - 26.01.2024
Super Eagles vs Cameroon: Time and where to watch Nigeria face Indomitable Lions in AFCON 2023 round of 16 clash
Watch the Super Eagles of Nigeria try to get to the quarterfinals of AFCON 2023 against the Indomitable Lions AFCON 2023 round of 16 clash.
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13:06 - 26.01.2024
Osimhen, Ghana and the 5 biggest disappointments from the AFCON 2023 so far
Several big names entered into the AFCON 2023 group stage with a lot of expectations, but a few were unable to live up to the hype
In contrast, teams like Mauritania, Namibia, Cape Verde, and Equatorial Guinea have stepped up, challenging the status quo and showcasing their skills on a grand stage.
Nigeria's Super Eagles, drawn into Group A alongside hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, and Equatorial Guinea, were initially favoured to top the group.
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However, in an unexpected twist, Equatorial Guinea emerged as the group leader, even securing a stunning 4-0 victory against Cote d’Ivoire.
Osimhen's Insight on Nigeria's Journey
Victor Osimhen, the prolific Napoli striker, has been a key player in all three of Nigeria's matches. He emphasizes the heightened competition in this year's AFCON.
“I think the pressure is high, Nigeria is a big footballing country, and the fans want us to go out there and play good and win convincingly,” he stated as reported by Soccernet.
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Osimhen further added, “But in the AFCON, there is no underdog, and if you have to win, you have to be on top of your game. You have to be focused from the blast of the whistle to the very end."
Acknowledging Nigeria's progress, Osimhen noted, “The most important thing for us is we’ve gotten to the knockout stage. Then, we still have a lot of work to do. We are still a work in progress, but I think we are on the right track, and we have the right coach."
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