Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen has assured Nigerians that the Super Eagles are totally committed to winning the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast ahead of the final against the hosts.
Nigeria advanced to the final of the 34th edition of the AFCON after a thrilling match against South Africa at the Stade de la Paix in Bouke, which saw the Eagles triumph 4-2 on penalties after 120 minutes of play and finish 1-1 on Wednesday.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was named Man of the Match after saving two Bafana Bafana penalty kicks, and during an Instagram live feed following the semi-final, injured compatriot Victor Boniface instructed Osimhen to plan a party for the shot stopper.
However, the 25-year-old told Boniface that the Super Eagles were focused on winning the final and that any celebration would come once they won their fourth trophy.
“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 comment provides reassurance to millions of Nigerian fans who are looking forward to the Super Eagles’ match against the Elephants in the AFCON Final.
Meanwhile, amid the euphoria, Olusegun Odegbami, a renowned player and member of the 1980 AFCON-winning team, has issued a warning to the Super Eagles.
Odegbami highlighted the necessity of being focused and avoiding distractions in the buildup 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, 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.