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By Peter Akinbo
CAF African Player of The Year, Victor Osimhen, has assured Nigerians that the Super Eagles are fully focused on winning the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, ahead of the final against the hosts, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Nigeria reached the final of the 34th edition of the AFCON following a pulsating encounter against South Africa at the Stade de la Paix, Bouke, that saw the Eagles claim a 4-2 win on penalties after 120 minutes of football ended 1-1 on Wednesday.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was the Man of The Match as he saved two Bafana Bafana penalty kicks and during an Instagram live feed after the semi-final, Osimhen was told by injured compatriot, Victor Boniface, to make celebration arrangements for the shot stopper.
However, the 25-year-old told Boniface that the Eagles were focused on winning the final, adding that any form of celebration would be after they claim a fourth title.
“We are not thinking of that now, we are focused on the final… we are focused. We stay focused until we have won (the trophy),” he said.
Osimhen’s statement comes as a reassurance to millions of Nigerian fans who are eagerly anticipating the showdown between the Super Eagles and the Elephants in the AFCON final.
Meanwhile, amidst the excitement, legendary footballer and member of the 1980 AFCON-winning team, Olusegun Odegbami, has sounded a note of caution to the Eagles squad.
Odegbami emphasised the importance of maintaining focus and avoiding distractions in the lead-up to the final match.
“The NFF should not allow any kind of distractions around the team in the next couple of days before the match. Let us allow the boys to concentrate and focus hard on
the task at hand. No frivolous visits to the team camp should be allowed.
“We must all endeavour to help the team. Let them be themselves and remain themselves. This is of utmost national importance and all for the glory of our homeland. Nothing must be allowed to distract the players from this crucial national assignment,” the 1980 AFCON top scorer said.