Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has reacted to wearing the captain’s armband for the first time for the Super Eagles following their 3–1 victory over Uganda on Tuesday evening.

Osimhen, one of the three players who retained their place in the starting lineup, was handed the armband in place of Wilfred Ndidi, who was rested ahead of the knockout phase.

Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone after the game, Osimhen also reflected on the pride he felt captaining the national team, describing the experience as both emotional and empowering.

“It feels so good. For me, it is beautiful to try to lead the team,” he said. “I think I have gained some level of experience to be able to lead the team, and the coach also confides in him, as well as the players.”

“So they listen to me just like I listen to them also. So for me, I think it gives me great pleasure and privilege because during the time I led the boys out they won the game, then we were also through to the Round of 16.”

He explained that the captain’s armband brought a deeper sense of responsibility on the pitch.

“The captaincy gave me some sense of belonging to be able to meet the referee, communicate with the referee when my teammate is down,” Osimhen explained.

Looking ahead to the Round of 16,, the Super Eagles forward showed no preference for an opponent. “I don't care, anybody can come,” he said.  

Despite closing in on Rashidi Yekini’s all-time goalscoring record for Nigeria, the former Napoli striker insisted that chasing personal milestones has never been his motivation.

Osimhen added that while he believes personal achievements will come eventually, they are not his immediate concern.

‘To be honest, I never went to bed one day and thought about trying to equal the record or trying to surpass it.” 

*I am just doing what I can do for my team, fighting for them, trying to get goals and assists. Hopefully, maybe not this AFCON, maybe not in the qualifiers but I know one day I will get there.”

With the Super Eagles safely through to the knockout phase, Osimhen affirmed that the team is fully prepared and determined to push for Nigeria’s fourth AFCON title in Morocco.

“The boys are ready to give everything to make sure we actualize this dream of course it is not going to be easy. Now we have progressed to the Round of 16, more bigger teams are coming.” 

Despite his status as Nigeria’s star forward, Osimhen was careful not to place the burden of goals solely on himself.

“For me, I am not assuring anyone, the only thing I can assure is good performance, fighting for my team and making sure Super Eagles win.” 

The 27-year-old also praised the depth in the squad, highlighting other attacking options that can provide goals.

“I think not just me, we have Paul, AKOR, Ade that can get the job done in terms of scoring for us and getting assists. So for me, if I get my opportunity I want to use it,” he concluded. 

Osimhen’s goal against Tunisia took his tally for the Super Eagles to 32, leaving him just five goals shy of equaling Rashidi Yekini’s all-time goalscoring record for Nigeria.

Adeyemi Adewale