Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has reportedly disclosed the vital exchange of messages with teammate Semi Ajayi that resulted in his incredible acrobatic goal during Nigeria’s 3-0 victory over Benin Republic in Saturday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match. This information is reported by Daily Post. At the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Osimhen, who entered the game off the bench in the second half, scored a magnificent goal to round off Nigeria’s impressive display. Ademola Lookman, who scored a brace to give Nigeria a dominating lead, also made a substantial contribution to the game.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
Speaking on the Counter Attack Podcast, Osimhen shared the behind-the-scenes details of his interaction with Ajayi before the goal. According to Osimhen, the success of the play was rooted in their communication and practice in training.
“I have watched it [the goal] close to like ten times,” Osimhen said. “The last training before the game, me, Aina, Awoniyi, and Wilfred, we were doing this same practice—we did it more than ten times to be able to just do the cross inside the penalty box.”
Osimhen further explained the key moment that led to the goal, revealing that he communicated with Ajayi in Yoruba, urging him to leave the ball for a clearer shot. “When he [Ndidi] did the cross, Semi was also going towards the ball. If he hits it, he can score or maybe the goalkeeper parries it. I saw that I had a clear chance than him. I told him in Yoruba, ‘filẹ, filẹ,’ meaning ‘leave it,’ so he understood what I meant, and then he left it.”CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
