Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen is confident the Super Eagles will deliver against Ivory Coast in the land of his childhood icon Didier Drogba.
The Super Eagles started their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 1-1 draw against minnows Equatorial Guinea with Osimhen scoring for his team.
On Thursday, Nigeria play the hosts who top Group A with three points after beating Guinea-Bissau 2-0.
Nigeria last won the Afcon title in 2013 after beating Burkina Faso in the final and since then, they have struggled to make their mark.
Osimhen is among the global superstar players in Jose Peseiro’s team who have been placed among this edition’s favourites.
The Napoli striker feels privileged to play on the land of his icon Drogba.
Victor Osimhen Idol
He explains how he adored the Elephants legend back during his childhood in Nigeria.
“The Super Eagles have a history closely linked to the Afcon.
“But since 2013, we have been looking for a new coronation, it’s been more than a decade, that’s a long time for a football-loving country like Nigeria,” Osimhen told Caf’s media team.
“We are the country of Jay-Jay Okocha, of Nwankwo Kanu.
“Our illustrious elders of whom we are the heirs, we must restore this image so dear to our heart.
“Life is surprising, when I was younger, I never missed a Didier Drogba match.
“I imitated each of his gestures, and I did his celebration when I scored against my friends,” he continued.
“Participating in Afcon in the native land of my idol is an honour for me.
“I have the impression of being reconnected in a certain way with the kid from Olusosun that I was and who had a lot of dreams, including that of one day being Africa champion.”
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Despite scoring against Equatorial Guinea, Osimhen was not at his best.
He missed chances that could have won the game for the Super Eagles.
However, the 25-year-old will need to be more clinical on Thursday to stand a chance of silencing the home fans and bring the Super Eagles closer to the Round of 16.
