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Nigeria advances to Afcon semi-finals with Osimhen at the helm
Nigeria secured a spot in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations final on Wednesday after defeating Morocco in a tightly contested semi-final, with striker Victor Osimhen playing a pivotal role despite a recent on-field dispute.
Osimhen's scoring streak keeps Nigeria alive
The 27-year-old forward, currently joint-second in the tournament's top scorers list with four goals, has been instrumental in Nigeria's five consecutive victories. His tally matches that of Egypt's Mohamed Salah and trails only Morocco's Brahim Diaz by a single goal.
Osimhen's performance comes amid personal milestones, as he stands just two goals shy of equaling Rashidi Yekini's national record of 37 goals. The Galatasaray striker, who has netted 35 times in 50 appearances for the Super Eagles, acknowledged Yekini's legacy while emphasizing his focus on team success.
"It doesn't matter if I equal the record or surpass it. Mr. Rashidi Yekini is the best striker the Super Eagles have ever produced. I'm just doing my best to win something important for my country."
Victor Osimhen
On-field clash overshadows Nigeria's progress
A heated exchange with teammate Ademola Lookman during Nigeria's 4-0 victory over Mozambique threatened to derail the team's momentum. Osimhen confronted Lookman for not passing the ball in a clear scoring opportunity, later gesturing to manager Eric Chelle to substitute him. He left the field immediately after the match, skipping celebrations.
While reports suggested Osimhen considered leaving the camp, Nigerian officials denied the claims. Both players and Chelle later downplayed the incident, insisting the matter was resolved.
A striker shaped by adversity
Osimhen's relentless competitiveness stems from a challenging upbringing in Lagos, where he sold water in traffic to support his siblings after losing his parents at a young age. Former Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong highlighted how these experiences shaped his drive.
"He's had a tough upbringing. He lost his parents quite young, so he's got this real hunger and hustle. He's the first in the box, the first at the buffet-always fighting for what he wants. That spirit makes him a leader."
William Troost-Ekong
Club success mirrors national impact
Osimhen's goal-scoring prowess has followed him across Europe. After breaking out at Lille with 18 goals in 2019-20, he became Napoli's record signing and later led them to their first Serie A title in 33 years, finishing as the league's top African scorer with 47 goals.
His move to Galatasaray in 2023 saw him claim another league and cup double, with 26 goals in 30 games. Now a permanent fixture in Turkey, he has added six goals in 12 appearances this season, reinforcing his reputation as one of football's most lethal forwards.
Legacy in the making
With Nigeria's Afcon campaign nearing its climax, Osimhen's focus remains on securing the nation's fourth continental title. Nigerian journalist Oluwashina Okeleji described him as the "new king of Nigerian football," noting his influence on and off the pitch.
"He's been earmarked for success since his under-17 days. The team looks up to him-when he's not there, Nigeria seems to crumble. He may not wear the armband, but everything goes through him."
Oluwashina Okeleji
Should Osimhen break Yekini's record, it could further cement Nigeria's bid for Afcon glory, offering redemption after missing the 2026 World Cup.
