During Nigeria’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph against Cote d’Ivoire, Osimhen who is the team’s designated penalty taker, opted to allow center back, William Troost-Ekong to take the crucial spot kick.
When asked about his decision during the post-match press conference, Osimhen attributed the choice to the coach’s directive, stating, “It was the coach. He wanted me to take it but I have to respect it, he’s the captain.”
Expressing his team-first mentality, Osimhen emphasized, “For me, I really don’t mind who takes the penalty or who scores for the team. I want the team to win. I want the team to progress, so this is the most important thing for me.”
Despite not finding the net himself, Osimhen’s unselfish contribution earned him the Player of the Match award.
