Victor Osimhen has come to the defense of his international teammate Victor Boniface following criticism he faced for his performance against the Republic of Benin's Cheetahs in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match. Despite Boniface missing a few opportunities during the game, Osimhen highlighted the normalcy of such instances for strikers and emphasized the strong unity within the Super Eagles squad.
Osimhen, who scored shortly after coming on as a substitute, reassured that missed chances are part of the game for forwards and praised the collective spirit of the team. He expressed his admiration for Boniface, noting that despite the missed opportunities, Boniface played well and remains an important player for the team.
The Super Eagles striker also discussed Ademola Lookman’s candidacy for the Ballon d'Or and his prospects for winning the 2024 African Footballer of the Year award. Lookman’s stellar performances for both club and country in the 2023-2024 season, including key roles in reaching the Africa Cup of Nations final and Atalanta's Europa League triumph, have made him a strong contender.
Osimhen expressed his happiness for Lookman, acknowledging his hard work and dedication. He praised Lookman’s contributions and predicted with confidence that Lookman would win the African Player of the Year award. According to Osimhen, Lookman’s success is well-deserved and represents a victory for Nigeria as well.
Osimhen also shared his personal belief that Lookman will bring home the award, affirming that Lookman’s performance has earned him this recognition. He expressed his hope that Lookman’s achievements will be rewarded, reflecting his faith in Lookman’s talent and dedication.
Additionally, Lookman’s impressive performance, including scoring two spectacular goals in the Super Eagles' 3-0 win over the Republic of Benin, has further strengthened his bid for the African Player of the Year accolade.
Osimhen’s support for both Boniface and Lookman highlights the camaraderie within the Super Eagles and their shared commitment to achieving success on the international stage.
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