Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles Striker, has provided an explanation for his decision to allow captain William Troost-Ekong to take a penalty in Nigeria’s victorious match against Ivory Coast in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Thursday.
Osimhen was awarded the penalty after being fouled in the box. Despite being the designated number one penalty taker for the team, many expected the Napoli attacker to take the spot-kick.
However, Troost-Ekong took the initiative and successfully converted the penalty, securing a 1-0 victory for the Super Eagles.
Asked about the decision to allow Troost-Ekong take the penalty against Ivory Coast, whether it was his decision or head coach Jose Peseiro’s instruction, Osimhen said at the post-match press conference:
“It was the coach. He wanted me to take it but I have to respect it, he’s the captain.
“For me, I really don’t mind who takes the penalty or who scores for the team. I want the team to win. I want the team to progress so this is the most important thing for me.”
Osimhen will now hope to lead Nigeria to victory when they face Guinea-Bissau in their final Group A tie on Monday.
