Former Super Eagles forward Sunday Mba has charged the fans of the Super Eagles to appreciate the efforts of star player Victor Osimhen despite his struggles in front of goal at the current AFCON.
Although Sunday Mba was not the first-choice striker in the Super Eagles squad that won the 2013 edition of the tournament in South Africa, every football fan in Nigeria will remember him for handling the trophy to Nigeria with two clutch goals when it mattered the most, which incidentally were the only goals he scored all tournament.
Osimhen’s only goal so far in the tournament has been the equalizer against Equatorial Guinea in the opening game of the Super Eagles campaign. He has yet to find the back of the net since then; however, his contribution to the team has been one of the loudest.
With his tireless work rate and leadership at the battlefront, the Napoli wonder continues to get accolades for his service to the team.
In a chat with Brila Media, Sunday Mba, who certainly knows one or two things about scoring when it matters the most, praised the 8th best football player on the planet for his contributions to the Super Eagles in the tournament so far, even while not scoring.
“I think, Osimhen, sometimes it’s like that, as a striker. Even if he’s not scoring now, I think he’s letting the world see the work and effort he is putting in. Nigerians still appreciate his effort and what he is doing, and I think everybody’s seeing his effort.
We’re seeing the passion in him; the spirit is using it to play. Even if he’s not scoring goals, at least he is creating chances; he’s assisting. So that’s how it should be.”The 2013 AFCON winner noted that Osimhen could be the one to decide the Super Eagles game against South Africa on Wednesday but that he is appreciated regardless for his efforts in the team.
“I feel this is the semi-finals we’re going into; we don’t know who will score come Wednesday. He has been impressive, like he has been doing well. Even without scoring plenty of goals.”
“I appreciate what he’s doing now; I think the goals will come, but if they’re not coming, then he’s helping the team. What we just want to do is see a team player, somebody who’s helping the team, not just stand there and not do anything.”
Victor Osimhen would be looking to lead the charge for the Super Eagles to win the golden prize at the ongoing AFCON in Ivory Coast, and first on the list of his targets are South Africa in the semi-final on Wednesday.
