2023 AFCON: Ex-Barcelona winger explains why Nigeria talisman Osimhen was not at his goalscoring best 

Former Barcelona winger Emmanuel Amuneke has explained the reason behind the struggles of Victor Osimhen at the just-concluded 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Super Eagles striker was among the players tipped to win the Golden Boot in the tournament having been the top scorer during the qualification campaign and his form in the preceding 12 months which saw him win the CAF Men's Player of the Year.

To the surprise of many, the 25-year-old could only muster one goal throughout the competition which he scored in the the opening game against Equatorial Guinea.

During his post-tournament reflection on News Central TV, Amuneke explained the reason behind the struggles of the star striker in front of goal during AFCON.

"I think when you are forming a team, you have to look at the characteristics of the players that are at your disposal," Amuneke said. 

"What are their qualities, how effective are they, where are they more dangerous, and then you can come up with a team that can make you know make that to be positive for the players to function at their best.

"You know in this AFCON, Osimhen spent a lot of time in helping the team to defend, and when you have a striker that is so dangerous move a lot and then at the end of the day he is coming to defend. I think it reduces his quality.

"Osimhen is a player that when you look at him, moves a lot and needs players that can actually you know give him those balls into spaces where he can become effective and functional."

"Chukwueze and Simon Moses likewise, but of course you must have players that can complement the effort of these players."

Osimhen has now failed to score six consecutive games for the Super Eagles which is the joint-longest goal drought he has had since making his debut.

While he didn't deliver the goods in front of the goal, there is no doubt that he played a vital role in Nigeria reaching the final of the tournament, with his physical presence proving to be a menace for the opposition defense.

The world-class striker will now shift his focus to helping struggling Napoli finish the season strongly with the defending champions way behind Seria A table toppers Inter Milan and seven points adrift of a place in the top four.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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