Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has shared the details of a key moment with teammate Semi Ajayi during Nigeria’s 3-0 victory over Benin Republic in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
Coming off the bench, Osimhen scored an impressive acrobatic goal in the second half of the match held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. Ademola Lookman had earlier netted twice to put Nigeria in the lead.
Revealing the behind-the-scenes communication, Osimhen explained that he spoke to Ajayi in Yoruba during the buildup to his goal, asking the defender to step aside and leave the ball for him.
In an interview with the Counter Attack Podcast, Osimhen said: “I’ve watched the goal almost ten times now. During our last training before the match, Aina, Awoniyi, Ndidi, and I practiced crossing into the penalty box multiple times, knowing I would need to be ready as a striker.”
He continued, “When Ndidi crossed the ball, Semi Ajayi was also moving toward it. I saw I had a clearer shot, so I told him ‘filẹ, filẹ,’ which means ‘leave it’ in Yoruba. He understood and left the ball, allowing me to take the shot.”
Osimhen’s goal helped seal a comfortable win for Nigeria in the AFCON 2025 qualifier.
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