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Peter Akinbo
Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Jesús Owono has vowed to stop Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen when both teams clash in the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday (today), PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Owono also promised to stop Osimhen’s teammates Samuel Chukwueze, Kelechi Iheanacho, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Terem Moffi and Ahmed Musa.
Both teams are in Group A alongside the host nation Ivory Coast. Osimhen was the top scorer during the 2023 AFCON qualifying series with 10 goals ahead of Senegal’s Sadio Mane who finished with five goals.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Owono said, “I will do my best to stop Victor Osimhen and the other Super Eagles players in order to get a positive result in the first match.
“We were unknown in the last AFCON, and we did a great job. For this AFCON, the teams have more information about us. We train a lot, and we have prepared for the ramble.”
Juan Obiang, the Equatoguinean coach is confident of his goalkeeper saying, “He’s a modern goalkeeper. On the pitch, his charisma speaks for itself. I really admire his kicking game.”
This year’s final tournament is Nigeria’s 20th appearance, having debuted in 1963, and then appeared at the 1976, 1978, 1980, 1982, 1984, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1994, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2013, 2019 and 2021 finals.
As for the Nzalang Nacional of Equatorial Guinea, continuing their impressive record of progressing to the last eight whenever they participate at the continental showpiece motivates them before Sunday’s fixture.