Osimhen, currently with Galatasaray, has cemented himself as one of Africa and Europe’s most prolific goal scorers. With 35 goals for the Super Eagles, he is closing in on Rashidi Yekini’s all-time scoring record for Nigeria.

In an interview with Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand, Gyan praised the former Napoli striker for his lethal instincts and relentless commitment in front of goal.

“Victor Osimhen loves scoring goals. He plays with heart and gives everything on the pitch,” Gyan said.

The 40-year-old Ghanaian football icon also expressed surprise that Europe’s top clubs did not pursue Osimhen more aggressively, while hinting that a move to Manchester United would suit the talented forward.

“I really like these kinds of strikers. I’m surprised the big clubs didn’t come for him this transfer window. But hopefully, Manchester United could be an option—if he wants to come, considering the club’s history and everything,” Gyan added.

Osimhen is set to feature for Nigeria in their third-place playoff against Egypt at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Casablanca on Saturday.

Gyan retired as Ghana’s all-time leading scorer with 51 goals in 109 appearances and holds the record for the most goals by an African player in World Cup history, with six.

Osimhen was part of the Super Eagles side beaten by Ivory Coast in the 2023 final.

The West Africans suffered a further setback this year when they lost to DR Congo on penalties in the final of Africa’s play-offs for the 2026 Fifa World Cup – meaning they will be missing from the global showpiece for the second time in a row.

However, the 26-year-old insists the squad must put their regrets behind them and shift their focus to the challenge ahead as they target success at Afcon.

“I think the penalty is a game of luck,” Osimhen told BBC Sport Africa.

“Life has happened, we just have to keep it moving.”

However, the Galatasaray striker insists the squad is already putting in the work to go one step further, as Nigeria set their sights on returning to the final in Morocco and winning their fourth Afcon title.

“I want to say thank you to the Super Eagles fans all over the world that have stuck with us through the good times and the bad times,” he said.

“The Afcon is an opportunity for us to win our fans over [and] make sure we actualise our dreams of winning [the tournament].”

Nigeria begin their Group C campaign against Tanzania in Fes on Tuesday (17:30 GMT) before facing Tunisia on Saturday and Uganda on 30 December.

‘Mutual respect’ between players

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Nigeria lost 2-1 to Egypt in a friendly game ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations

While Osimhen has been a key figure for Nigeria in recent years, they have often struggled for goals and results in his absence.

He says he “appreciate the love and support” of Nigerians who “believe” in his ability and commitment to the national team.

With attacking options such as Akor Adams, Paul Onuachu and Cyriel Dessers also in the squad, Osimhen insists any player called upon is capable of delivering when it matters most.

“I just try to give my everything. We have so many talented players in this squad,” Osimhen admitted.

“I’m part of them. If we don’t see some of us, the others can also play. That’s one of the qualities.”

Osimhen’s importance to the Super Eagles has been clear during the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Nigeria failed to register a single victory in the five matches he missed, underlining his influence on the team’s performances and results.

Head coach Eric Chelle will be hoping his talismanic striker can remain fit and available as Nigeria aim to claim a first Afcon title since 2013.

“I’m trying to give everything because everyone knows me like this. I try to run, get goals [and] fight for my team-mates,” Osimhen explained.

“I appreciate all my team-mates for giving me this opportunity to try to get goals for them.

“They try to listen to me, and I also listen to them, it’s a mutual respect between us.”

Ekong an ‘incredible leader’

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong earned 83 caps for Nigeria

Meanwhile, Nigeria defender Calvin Bassey says he was saddened by the international retirement of William Troost-Ekong before the finals.

The former Super Eagles captain, who was named Most Valuable Player at the 2023 Afcon finals, had formed a formidable centre-back partnership with Bassey during the tournament in Ivory Coast.

“He [Ekong] was an incredible player, an incredible leader, a good friend of mine,” Bassey told BBC Sport Africa.

“People leave and people come, so it’s just about trying to get a group together that can help.”

However, the Fulham man says the squad remains in safe hands, describing Wilfred Ndidi as an “amazing” captain capable of leading the team forward.

Bassey is expected to play a key role in Nigeria’s bid for the title, and the 25-year-old believes the bond between himself and club colleagues Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze will have a positive impact on the Super Eagles.

“Me and Alex have played with each other for a long time. We have a great understanding of each other [and] know each other’s strengths,” he said.

“Chukwueze has also been playing with him so hopefully we can bring that chemistry into the national team.”

Moroccans Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy and Nigerian Rasheedat Ajibade are the contenders for the African women’s player of the year title.

Currently injured, full-back Hakimi helped Paris Saint-Germain win the UEFA Champions League for the first time and finish runners-up to Chelsea in the final of the expanded Club World Cup.

If fit, the 27-year-old will lead hosts Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations from December 21 as they seek to win the competition for the first time since 1976.

Twice winner of the African award, Salah has been struggling lately after an outstanding contribution to Liverpool winning the Premier League a record-equalling 20th time last season.

The 33-year-old won the 2024-25 Premier League Golden Boot award with 29 goals, six more than Alexander Isak, who has since moved from Newcastle United to Liverpool.

Osimhen, from top Turkish outfit Galatasaray, has been outstanding recently for club and country, but some of his achievements will not count as the deadline for the judges was October 15.

That rules out a Champions League hat-trick against Ajax in Amsterdam and two goals in a 2026 World Cup play-off victory over Gabon last Thursday.

Paris Saint-Germain star Ajibade was voted the best player at the Africa women’s Cup of Nations this year after Nigeria came from two goals behind to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in the final.

Saudi Arabia-based Chebbak, the daughter of former Moroccan men’s star Larbi Chebbak, was the leading scorer in the competition with five goals.

Another Moroccan forward, Mssoudy has helped make Rabat club FAR one of the strongest in Africa. They won the CAF women’s Champion League three years ago and reached the 2025 semifinals this weekend.

The annual African men’s and women’s awards ceremony will be staged in Moroccan capital Rabat on Wednesday.

CAF technical and development committee members, coaches, former stars and selected media representatives selected the nominees.

Chidera Ejuke and Victor Osimhen struck in the first period of added time after the match in Rabat had ended 1-1 after 90 minutes.

Osimhen ripped off his protective face mask and shirt to celebrate his goal – no doubt partly in relief after the striker had squandered a glorious chance to win it for the Super Eagles in the 12th minute stoppage time at the end of the game.

The Galatasaray man grabbed his second goal of the evening five minutes after the extra-time break to make sure of victory.

Nigeria, who enjoyed the better of the semi-final tie, had seemed on course to win in regulation time after Akor Adams pounced on a poor back pass to give Eric Chelle’s side the lead in the 78th minute.

But Gabon levelled in the 89th minute through Mario Lemina’s deflected shot to send the game to extra-time, before the Panthers were eventually undone by clinical finishing from their West African rivals.

Nigeria will face either Cameroon or DR Congo in Africa’s play-off final on Sunday (19:00 GMT).

The winners of that match will then progress to a six-team intercontinental qualifier, which will be held in March and will determine the final two qualifiers for next year’s World Cup.

The Nigeria forward produced a superb display, scoring two first-half goals and setting up Yunus Akgun after the break to seal back-to-back wins in the competition for the first time since December 2012.

Osimhen’s double also meant he became the first Galatasaray player to score in seven consecutive games in major European competitions, breaking the mark set by Burak Yilmaz between October 2012 and March 2013.

Substitute Andreas Helmersen hit a late consolation for the Norwegian champions, who have yet to claim a victory in the league phase.

Having narrowly defeated Liverpool in their previous outing, the result lifted Okan Buruk’s Galatasaray side up to 11th in the table from 21st before Wednesday evening’s later matches had kicked off.

They deservedly took an early lead when Osimhen swept a low effort into the bottom corner from Mario Lemina’s pass.

The 26-year-old registered his second goal of the night – and fifth of the campaign – just after the half hour mark, capitalising on a calamitous backpass from Fredrik Bjorkan, and rounded visiting goalkeeper Nikita Haikin to steer the ball into an empty net.

The former Napoli forward could, and perhaps should, have been able to lay claim to the match ball, but he spurned two excellent opportunities to deliver a second hat-trick in eight days after achieving the feat for his country against Benin on 14 October.

However, his tackle on Bodo/Glimt defender Haitam Aleesami, did bring a third goal for the defending Turkish champions, with Akgun finding the bottom corner at the second attempt.

While Jens Hauge fired wide when well placed and Sondre Fet hit the post on a disappointing night for the visitors, they did at least get a consolation courtesy of Helmersen’s close-range header from Bjorkan’s chipped cross.

They remain on two points from earlier draws and in the elimination places after three matches.

The Super Eagles have made a winless start in Group C, drawing three of their first four games, with striker Osimhen absent through injury.

The West Africans endured what the 26-year-old described as a “heartbreaking disappointment” three years ago when fierce rivals Ghana progressed from a play-off and reached Qatar 2022 at their expense.

“It’s a dream of every footballer to play at the World Cup and with our situation in the group I am desperate, like other players, to make it to the 2026 tournament,” Osimhen told BBC Sport Africa.

“We suffered a big disappointment in 2022 and we simply can’t let it happen again to us, the country and our generation.

“You don’t want to finish your career with the regrets of not playing at the World Cup. That is not what I want for myself.”

Nigeria are four points behind group leaders Rwanda and travel to Kigali to face the Wasps on 21 March before hosting bottom side Zimbabwe four days later.

The new man in the dugout, Eric Chelle, requires immediate results in the six-team group as he becomes the third coach to lead the Super Eagles in a campaign which began back in November 2023.

Jose Peseiro oversaw two draws, against minnows Lesotho and Zimbabwe, and his successor Finidi George departed last June after a defeat by Benin followed a home stalemate against South Africa.

“There’s a new manager now and we are desperately looking forward to the game against Rwanda to try to correct all the previous mistakes we’ve made and put ourselves in a better position to qualify,” Osimhen said.

Correcting previous ‘mistakes’

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Nigeria were beaten by Ghana on away goals in a play-off for a spot at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar

Osimhen, the 2023 African Footballer of the Year who has scored 23 goals and provided 11 assists in 39 senior outings for Nigeria, was “extremely disappointed” after failing to make Qatar 2022.

He insists a squad packed full of top players including Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, Nantes winger Moses Simon and Premier League regulars Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi must secure a place for next year’s global showpiece in Canada, Mexico and the USA.

Nigeria have only missed two editions of the tournament since making their debut in 1994.

“People say we have a talented generation but we can only confirm this talent when we play in a World Cup like those before us,” Osimhen confided.

“I was sad, like my team-mates, to miss out on Qatar and our fans didn’t even understand how much it affected us.

“This is why we must correct the previous mistakes by giving everything to our country, our new coach and prove ourselves as being worthy.”

Chelle’s appointment in January prompted a mixed reaction after the 47-year-old Malian made history by becoming the first non-Nigerian African to assume the role of Super Eagles boss.

Osimhen is eager to start training under Chelle, who led his homeland to the quarter-finals at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) and to a rare victory over Nigeria last year.

“I’ve spoken to him couple of times and clearly understand the objectives he has set for himself and for the players,” the Galatasary man added.

“It takes more than a coach to win football matches. Players must also be at their best, show commitment and bear in mind that we can all fly together to reach our goal.”​​​​​​​

Dealing with ‘unpredictable’ African game

Image source Getty Images

Image caption: Osimhen is on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray this season and has scored 23 goals in 28 appearances in all competitions

Nigeria, runners up at Afcon 2023, have been drawn alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania in the group stage for the 2025 edition of the finals.

But after missing out on the title to hosts Ivory Coast last time around, Osimhen hopes it will be a different story in Morocco later this year.

“It’s not going to be easy because African football is unpredictable, we all saw how some big teams went out early in Ivory Coast,” he said.

“We must take each game as it comes and remember that we are yet to win anything for Nigeria. That should be the motivation we need to go one step better.

“But we cannot focus too much on a tournament that will happen at the end of the year when we have big demands of the World Cup before that. We first take care of that business.”

The 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign will culminate before Afcon 2025 kicks off on 21 December, with the final four fixtures spread across September and October.

Only the group winners are assured of a place at the finals, but Nigeria could enter continental play-offs in November should they finish second.

The Super Eagles are three-time continental champions and the highest-ranked side in Group C, but Osimhen has warned against complacency.

“Names no longer win matches and you must be ready and switched on for the duration of the games,” he said.

“We will be playing for our country, our family names and the hopes of almost 300 million people. It is not the pressure that we face but the desire to not let ourselves and the country down.

“Playing at the World Cup is a priority and we must make it happen this time around.”

Teenage forward Will Lankshear was dismissed for two yellow cards on the hour mark for Spurs, having earlier scored his first senior goal for the club in only his second start.

However, by that stage the visitors should have been out of sight with the final scoreline barely reflective of an encounter that was dominated by the hosts.

Despite the result Ange Postecoglou’s side still remain well placed to qualify from the group stage, with nine points from four games, although the Turkish league leaders have now leapfrogged above them in the table.

Tottenham’s woeful attempts to play out from the back and their shambolic defending ensured they endured a trying evening in a destination that is notorious for its hostile atmosphere.

Yunus Akgun’s sixth-minute effort was the precursor of what was to follow, with the Turkey midfielder dispatching a wonderful left-foot volley past Spurs goalkeeper Fraser Forster from 20 yards.

While 19-year-old Lankshear levelled from close range after being teed up by Brennan Johnson, the way in which Tottenham repeatedly gifted possession and goalscoring opportunities to their opponents will place scrutiny on manager Ange Postecoglou’s decision to begin with six first-choice players on the bench.

An error from central defender Radu Dragusin contributed to Osimhen’s first goal of the evening, with the on-loan Napoli forward reacting sharply to a Dries Mertens pass to poke a right-foot effort past Forster into the right corner.

Osimhen’s second also came courtesy of the Belgian playmaker, with Mertens’ right-wing delivery expertly turned home by the unmarked Nigerian international from eight yards.

While substitute Dominic Solanke tapped in from Pedro Porro’s pass – nine minutes after Lankshear’s departure – to give the score an air of respectability, in truth the visitors were well beaten.

Only some profligate finishing and several excellent saves from Forster prevented Okan Buruk’s team from the emphatic victory they richly deserved.

The Nigeria international was frozen out of Antonio Conte’s squad over the summer amid links to Chelsea and Al-Ahli.

But a sale failed to materialise before the window closed, and Osimhen has instead joined the Turkish side on a temporary deal until the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

There will be no clause to buy and reportedly there is an option for Osimhen to leave Galatasaray in the January transfer if a club activates his release clause, which will now be reduced to €75m.

The forward will wear the No. 45 shirt with his new club.

His debut could come after the international break on September 14 when Galatasaray host Rizespor in the Turkish Super Lig.

There are also reports that before the transfer window in Turkey shuts that Galatasaray will look to bring in Manchester United midfielder Casemiro.

Turkey’s transfer window remains open until September 13, which gave the Istanbul club the opportunity to arrange a deal for Osimhen after the summer deadline had passed across Europe’s major leagues.

Osimhen established a reputation as one of European football’s hottest strikers when he won the Serie A golden boot as Napoli claimed their first Scudetto for 33 years in 2022/23.

He scored 15 league goals in an injury-hit year last season, but failed to replicate his form of the year before as Napoli plummeted to a 10th-place finish in a disappointing title defence.

Romelu Lukaku was brought in from Chelsea as Osimhen’s replacement before the Nigerian’s sale had been arranged, and the market closing appeared to pose a problem for Napoli, with Osimhen looking set to stay despite not being part of Conte’s plans.

However, an injury to striker Mauro Icardi encouraged Galatasaray to make an opportunistic move for the 25-year-old.

Osimhen is under contract until June 2026 at Napoli and club president Aurelio De Laurentiis has held firm in demanding a large transfer fee for a player the Vesuviani signed for £65m from Lille in 2020.

The 2023 African Footballer of the Year scored 76 goals in 133 appearances over four seasons for Napoli.

The 25-year-old had been a target for Premier League Chelsea before the English transfer window closed on Friday and also Saudi club Al-Ahli – but he looks set to move to Istanbul instead.

Osimhen has scored 76 goals in 133 games for Napoli and played a key role in their 2022-23 Serie A title win with 26 goals.

But he failed to maintain the explosive form that made him one of the most coveted strikers in Europe, scoring 15 times in Serie A last season.

Antonio Conte’s Napoli signed Chelsea and Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku, 31, for £30m last week.

A message from Galatasaray on social media read: “Official negotiations have begun with the football player and his club SSCN Napoli SPA regarding the temporary transfer of professional footballer Victor James Osimhen.”

Osimhen, 25, is ready to leave the Italian giants this summer but Napoli’s initial insistence on receiving the full £113m release clause has prohibited interested parties from making a move.

The Nigeria international’s wage demands are also an issue for suitors but it is hoped a complex potential swap deal involving wantaway striker Romelu Lukaku, featuring a incentivised bonuses-driven contract, could push a deal over the line before the end of August.

Antonio Conte is widely believed to be pushing for a reunion with Lukaku to reunite with the player who helped win him Serie A in 2021 at Inter Milan.

Chelsea are also keen on adding Omorodion as they pursue multiple targets simultaneously.

The 20-year-old’s future, however, appears tied to multiple other deals as Atletico Madrid try to complete the signing of Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher in a separate move first.

They also want to sign Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez, who is valued at more than £70m, but need the funds from selling Omorodion to come close to reaching the asking price.

It remains unclear whether the Blues want to sign both players, with a squad already featuring striking options including Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu. Armando Broja is also on the books but available for sale.

It is more likely the club is moving on multiple fronts with both options deemed complex and uncertain at this early stage.

Finding a new striker has long been a top priority for Chelsea in the summer transfer window, with Osimhen seen as a leading candidate for the majority of the season. The Nigerian signed a new contract with Napoli earlier this year which contains a release clause worth over £100m with a view to facilitating an exit in the coming months.

Paris Saint-Germain have looked at Osimhen on their quest to replace Kylian Mbappe, but Gianluca Di Marzio claims Chelsea have tried to steal a march in the race for his signature by making contact with Napoli.

Chelsea are looking at ways to avoid having to trigger Osimhen’s release clause, which must be paid up-front in its entirety, and are prepared to offer a handful of players to Napoli in exchange for Osimhen’s services.

The biggest inclusion in any deal would be Lukaku, who is on loan with Roma on a deal which does not include a purchase clause. Chelsea have an agreement with the Belgian that he will be made available for a fee of £37m this summer – a £60.5m loss on the figure they paid Inter in 2021.

The plan from Chelsea is to send Lukaku to Napoli alongside a fee of between £70m and £80m, with the Blues also said to be prepared to include a young player in their offer to bring Osimhen to Stamford Bridge.

Napoli’s interest in Lukaku, who has 12 goals in 30 Serie A appearances for Roma this season, is not yet clear, although incoming sporting director Giovanni Manna is known to be a huge fan of the Belgian.

Manna, who will leave his post at Juventus at the end of the season, is said to have been keen on signing Lukaku last summer in a swap deal that would have sent Dusan Vlahovic to Chelsea.

As for Napoli, club officials are believed to be focused on finding a new manager before holding any formal talks about Osimhen.

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) runners-up will be without striker Victor Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi.

The news was confirmed by the Super Eagles’ official social media channels, citing fitness concerns for Osimhen, the reigning CAF Player of the Year, and an injury sidelining Awoniyi.

Additionally, Tyronne Ebuehi, who sustained an injury during Empoli’s match against Bologna in Serie A, will also be unavailable. Gabriel Osho, recently called up for the first time, joins the list of absentees due to injury.

Despite these setbacks, the Super Eagles have convened in Marrakech, Morocco, to prepare for the matches.

Assistant coach, George Finidi will lead the Nigerian team in an interim capacity, following the departure of head coach Jose Peseiro.

Meanwhile, Ghana faces challenges with key players missing, including Thomas Partey, Inaki Williams, Joseph Paintsil, and Mohammed Kudus.

The clash between Nigeria and Ghana is scheduled for March 22 at the Stade de Marrakesh, with Nigeria concluding their March international fixtures against Mali on March 26.

Robert Lewandowski handed Barca the lead in the 60th minute in Italy when he arrowed an effort into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.

Barcelona were dominant against a Napoli side whose final-third efforts were often lacking in Francesco Calzona’s first game in charge.

But the hosts eventually found a way back when Osimhen slipped past his marker in the box before rifling past Marc-Andre Ter Stegen to level.

The second leg takes place in Barcelona on 12 March.

Osimhen was part of the Nigeria side who lost to Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations final in February and missed his side’s most recent league game through suspension.

The visitors had the brighter start with 16-year-old Lamine Yamal – who became the youngest player to feature in the Champions League knockout stage – making inroads on the right-hand side.

Xavi’s side pressed relentlessly in the final third, charging down Napoli’s attempts to build from the back and nullifying the hosts’ ability to threaten.

Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret was forced to save efforts from Yamal and Lewandowski before he reacted well to palm away an Ilkay Gundogan effort from distance.

The Italian side have severely struggled in their Serie A title defence, languishing in ninth place and trailing leaders Juventus by 27 points, and replaced Walter Mazzarri with Calzona – who is also Slovakia manager – on Tuesday.

There were few signs of immediate improvement, though, and they failed to even register a shot in the first half, a first for Napoli in the Champions League.

Osimhen tried to make runs behind the defence but was often left isolated as the hosts failed to muster moves in Barcelona’s half.

Xavi’s side, who have faltered in La Liga and are eight points behind leaders Real Madrid, were dominant for much of the match, but Napoli began to grow into the game in the second half and were more energetic after making substitutions.

Barcelona broke the deadlock through Lewandowski and were headed for victory, but the hosts eventually found their footing and fought their way back to a draw.

Napoli striker Osimhen did not fly with the rest of the squad for Bouake on Monday due to abdominal discomfort, a statement issued by Super Eagles spokesman Babafemi Raji said.

“Team medics confirmed that he has been placed under close watch with a member of the medical team staying behind in Abidjan with him,” the statement read.

The reigning African Player of the Year did not train on Monday evening before the team’s departure from Abidjan.

Osimhen was substituted late in the quarterfinal against Angola at the weekend.

The 25-year-old has scored a goal and provided an assist in the tournament.

De Laurentiis was asked by Italian media to comment after Osimhen hinted at a summer exit from Naples earlier this week, saying that he had made up his mind about his future but would only reveal his plans at the end of the season.

“We knew that since last summer,” De Laurentiis told reporters after a Serie A meeting on Friday. “That’s why the contract negotiations were so drawn out and amicable… but we knew perfectly well that he would go Real Madrid, to PSG or to a English team.”

Osimhen, 25, signed a contract extension with the reigning Serie A champions through June 2026 in December.

“I’m with Napoli, I signed a new contract. I’m enjoying my time there. I think I’ve already made up my mind, I already know what I want to do in my career,” Osimhen told CBS Sports on Tuesday.

“Since I’ve started, I’ve been the one making my own decisions and everything is working out well for me. I already know the next step I want to take, so for now I just want to finish the season strong.”

Napoli reportedly rejected an offer of more than €200 million ($218m) for Osimhen from a team in Saudi Arabia last summer.

The African player of the year joined Napoli from Lille in 2020 and scored 26 league goals in the 2022-23 campaign to help his side win the Serie A title.

Osimhen is currently at the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria. His team take on Cameroon on Saturday in the AFCON round of 16.

Laurentiis also denied that Mourinho would replace Napoli manager Walter Mazzarri. The Portuguese coach’s sacking by AS Roma earlier this month sparked numerous rumours about his future and has been linked with jobs in Saudi Arabia and Napoli.

“Mourinho has nothing to do with Napoli. He is a very funny and impulsive coach, but I feel his destiny lies outside Italy. Surely not at Napoli,” he added.

Osimhen, the African Footballer of the Year, was fouled early in the second half to win the spot-kick and is the team’s designated penalty taker.

But the 25-year-old Napoli star, who was leading scorer in Serie A last season, passed duties on to the centre-back – perhaps based on the latter’s successful penalty against Ghana in a 2022 World Cup qualifier.

“Victor is our first choice he said he wanted me to take it,” Troost-Ekong, 30, told BBC Sport Africa.

“Of course, I couldn’t say no.

“We practice penalties and I took one against Ghana. Maybe it was the moment of the game [but] I was feeling good.

“I would also have been happy for him to take it but I’m sure he’s going to score many more goals for us.”

Osimhen had found the back of the net in Nigeria’s opener, a 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea which made it crucial for the Super Eagles to pick up a positive result against the Afcon hosts in Abidjan on Thursday.

Osimhen, who was said to be upset by a social media post by Napoli after missing a penalty earlier this season, said the crucial aspect about the spot-kick against the Ivorians was that it was scored.

“For me I don’t mind. I can take it and if I score or I miss, it is part of the game,” the striker said.

“But of course he took it and he scored it, and it shows great leadership. The team winning is the most important thing.”

Former Watford defender Troost-Ekong was happy to take the responsibility in the 55th minute, with Nigeria then able to hold out for a 1-0 win.

“I enjoy moments like this, I enjoy the big games,” Troost-Ekong added.

“Pressure is for people trying to think how they can feed their family every day – not for us. We play football and we practice for moments like this.

“We are very happy we came with a clear game plan, we knew that we were going to play against a very good team – we also knew we could outfight them.

“We have so much talent in this team. We looked like a real team, we suffered together as well but in the end our talent showed.”

Super Eagles ‘played with heart’

The victory took Nigeria up to second in the Group A table, leapfrogging Ivory Coast, and Jose Peseiro’s side are now well-placed to progress to the last 16.

“I am overwhelmed. It is a big win for us, a statement win,” Osimhen added.

“We played a disappointing draw against Equatorial Guinea and it was important to come out strong against a team like the Ivorians.”Big respect to the Ivorian team as they gave us a tough time but I think we deserved this win more.”

The West Africans will face Guinea Bissau, who have lost both their games so far, in their final group stage match on Monday (17:00 GMT).

AC Milan forward Samuel Chukwueze believes the team have shown everyone that the Super Eagles are serious about adding to their three continental titles.

“We played with our hearts. This game shows we are ready to fight for Afcon,” he said.

“This group is complicated but the most important game now is the last game.

“There is no small country in this Afcon and Guinea-Bissau are good. We’ve played them twice in qualifying and we lost one.

“We need to win the last game to top the group and ensure we qualify for the next round.”

Nigeria’s biggest dilemma coming into the tournament was in goal, with regular keeper Francis Uzoho coming in for heavy criticism before the tournament.

Stanley Nwabili has taken the number one jersey for the first two games and the 27-year-old hopes the confidence that has been shown him can transfer through to the rest the team.

“When the coach believes in you, you bring more confidence with you into the team,” he told BBC Sport Africa.

“I feel like I can do more to bring that confidence in to the team. I don’t feel like Nigeria has seen my top performance.”

The Chippa United keeper was also quick to defend Uzoho.

“Francis is a good guy and I don’t know why they talk about him. It was unfair, to be honest. He deserved better,” Nwabili said.

“It’s our first time working together – he is good.”

Osimhen nodded in straight after Iban Salvador’s opener for the underdogs.

Salvador’s classy first-half finish was his side’s only attempt on target and briefly threatened a significant upset in the second game of the tournament.

Jesus Owono made several second-half saves to deny the Super Eagles, and Osimhen missed after breaking clear.

The stalemate in the Group A match in Abidjan means both sides are two points behind Ivory Coast, who opened the tournament with a 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau on Saturday.

Equatorial Guinea, who are 46 places below Nigeria in the world rankings, celebrated ecstatically after taking the lead, but conceded straight from the restart when Osimhen converted Ademola Lookman’s cross and spent much of the match under pressure.

Goalkeeper Owono was in inspired form but breathed a sigh of relief when African Footballer of the Year Osimhen misfired after being sent through by Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi with 14 minutes remaining.

Zaidu Sanusi had lifted an early Super Eagles chance high over the crossbar when debutant Alhassan Yusuf’s cross found the full-back in space inside the penalty area.

And Osimhen, the leading marksman in qualifying for the tournament, also spurned a presentable opportunity with the game goalless, heading Ola Aina’s inviting delivery wide.

Three-time continental champions Nigeria are seeking to lift the trophy for the first time since 2013 but could not find a winner against opponents who had beaten holders Algeria on their way to the quarter-finals at the 2021 finals.

Owono tipped a low drive from Moses Simon onto his left-hand upright just before half-time and also kept out efforts from Sanusi, Osimhen and Aina as the second half wore on.

Equatorial Guinea return to the Alassane Ouattara Stadium when they face Guinea-Bissau on Thursday (14:00 GMT).

Nigeria take on Ivory Coast at the same venue in the subsequent game (17:00 GMT), pitting two teams considered strong contenders for the title against each other.

Nigeria frontman Osimhen, who won the prestigious continental award in December, has become one of the hottest properties on the transfer market.

This is ostensibly on the strength of his stellar 2022-23 season when his 26 goals saw him finish as top scorer in Italy’s Serie A and helped end a 33-year league title drought for Napoli.

Last month the 25-year-old extended his contract with the club until 2026, but that is unlikely to ward off suitors such as Arsenal and Chelsea who retain significant interest in his services.

“He has the right attitude, mentality and determination to excel there (in England),” former Togo captain Adebayor told BBC Sport Africa.

“I’m praying for him to move to the Premier League and show what he’s capable of.”

The Premier League was dominated by African strikers in the mid to late 2000s, with the likes of Adebayor, Didier Drogba and Yakubu headlining for some of the biggest clubs in the division.

The continent’s representation up front has thinned out significantly since then, and although both Mohamed Salah and former Liverpool team-mate Sadio Mane sit atop the list of Africa’s highest scorers in the Premier League, neither is an out-and-out centre-forward in the traditional sense.

Osimhen idolised Ivory Coast striker Drogba growing up and has also made no secret of his desire to play in the Premier League in the future.

While Osimhen’s contract extension – along with his involvement at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast – is expected to keep interested parties at bay this month, the end of this season will no doubt see a number of clubs come in for the Napoli marksman.

Adebayor thinks the time is right for the Nigerian, who he affectionately referred to as his “younger brother”, to move to England and take up the mantle of the great African strikers from years gone by.

“The Premier League is the toughest and best (league) in the world,” Adebayor said.

“Osimhen has shown and done it already in Italy, I think it is the right time for him to move to England and replace his idol Drogba and do beautiful things.

“He has all it takes to make a name and write a great chapter in England like Drogba.”

Adebayor ’emotional’ after Osimhen thanks

When Osimhen received his African Footballer of the Year award in Morocco, Adebayor was among the people he name-checked in his acceptance speech.

Adebayor, who himself won the Confederation Of African Football (Caf) accolade in 2008, has shed some light on his mentor relationship with Osimhen and said he was touched by his words.

“I started talking to him one or two years (ago),” the 39-year-old.

“Every time I talk to him, it’s about encouragement, and I tell him what to do and what not to do. I didn’t even know that he was listening.

“To come on a bigger stage like the Caf awards, the Ballon d’Or of Africa, and mention my name, and thank me for the encouragement… to be honest with you, I got emotional.

“And I’m a guy that doesn’t get emotional at all. But there I didn’t have a choice.

“It was even more beautiful than when I won it myself. To be honest with you, this is how big it was.

“This will stay with me for life. If he continues in this stride he will win more Caf awards in the future.”

Adebayor scored 97 goals in 241 appearances over the course of a decade in the Premier League, which began with the Gunners in 2006 and also included stints at Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace.

Having retired in March last year, he said his era in the English top flight was a “beautiful” time for African players – and some English footballers too.

“I remember very well when I was there we had Didier Drogba in Chelsea, myself in Tottenham or Arsenal, Yakubu was also there before, we then had Samuel Eto’o join us at some point with Chelsea and Everton,” he said.

“But you know football has its own time – people come and go.

“Obviously today you will not find Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard anymore, because those were the golden generation for England.

“Today the English national team doesn’t have a striker like Wayne Rooney who could do everything – kick and insult people and score goals at the same time.”

The 24-year-old scored 26 Serie A goals in 32 appearances in 2022-23 as he helped Napoli win their first league title in 33 years.

Osimhen, who managed 31 goals in all competitions last season, was crowned the Italian Footballers’ Association Player of the Year earlier this month.

He was also named as the African Footballer of the Year for 2023.

Osimhen said in November that he made a decision that was “good for his career” after being linked with a move to Saudi Arabia in the summer.

His previous contract was scheduled to expire in 2025.

Napoli confirmed the extension to the forward’s contract on social media with a post that read “together until 2026” and a picture of Osimhen and club president Aurelio De Laurentiis.

The 24-year-old Napoli man picked up the prize at the Confederation of African Football (Caf) awards on Monday night, seeing off competition from Egypt captain Mohamed Salah and Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi.

For Osimhen, who grew up on the dusty streets of Olusosun in Lagos, it is a “dream come true” after facing the stark reality of life as a child.

“I have to thank everybody who has helped me on this journey and all Africans who have helped to put me on the map despite my faults,” Osimhen said.

Greeted daily with the stench from a waste dump in his neighbourhood, Osimhen says he had a burning desire to succeed against all odds.

He had to sell newspapers and bottles of water, describing his situation as being “in the trenches”.

“As a young boy who had to hawk in traffic almost every day in order to survive the numerous challenges my family and I were facing, becoming a treasure in Africa and world football was a wild dream,” he said in a message posted on X.

“My football journey has been a rollercoaster of highs, tough lows and emotions.

“The goals and jubilation of victories keep me going even when the critics, hate and pain of defeats hit me hard in the chest.”

After scoring 26 goals to help Napoli to a first Italian league title in 33 years, Osimhen became the first Nigerian to win the Caf’s men’s award since former Arsenal forward Nwankwo Kanu in 1999.

“What Osimhen has done is incredible,” ex-Arsenal and Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor, who won the award in 2008, told Caf TV.

“Scoring goals may be easy in England but doing so in Italy is not because they are defensively and tactically strong.”

With former Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba, himself a two-time Caf Footballer of the Year, describing the former Lille striker as Africa’s new footballing royalty, there are now hopes that he can spur Nigeria on to a new era of success.

Destiny’s child

Osimhen’s rise to the top has been a slow burn rather than the story of a one-season wonder.

Starring for Nigeria in their victorious 2015 Under-17 World Cup was the turning point in his career which indicated he was a child of destiny.

His 10 goals in Chile secured the golden boot and saw him named Caf’s Young Player of the Year – yet Osimhen almost missed out on selection for the squad.

“I had already overlooked him because he was paired with other players who played badly,” Emmanuel Amuneke, the coach of that side, told BBC Sport Africa.

“But my backroom staff noticed him and drew my attention to him. I gave him another chance and he proved himself to make the squad.”

It was no surprise that Osimhen, after receiving his Caf award in Morocco, praised his former coach for helping him fulfil his dreams.

“Special thanks goes to Emmanuel Amuneke. Without him, I don’t think I would be standing here holding one of the most prestigious awards in world football,” he said.

There have certainly been a few bumps along the way.

His move to German club Wolfsburg in January 2017 almost turned out to be a nightmare for the young prospect, who featured 16 times without scoring before a loan switch to Charleroi in Belgium in 2018-19 provided a lifeline.

Osimhen’s reputation was enhanced at Lille to the point that Napoli were reported to have paid $96m (£76.5m) – one of the highest fees ever for an African player – for his services in July 2020.

Before his stellar season which secured a historic Serie A title, he was forced to miss out on the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) because of Covid-19 and a facial injury which still requires him to play wearing a protective mask.

Moreover, he had to deal with the death of both his mother and father in 2020

“Losing my dear parents in the course of this journey leaves a scar in my heart as they have always been my major driving force for success,” Osimhen added in his post on X.

“To my wonderful family, thanks for always having my back and loving me so much. I wouldn’t have made it this far without your support.”

A new era for African football?

Liverpool forward Salah and former Reds team-made Sadio Mane, both 31, had won the past four Caf awards between them, and Osimhen’s success in Marrakesh could herald the coming of the next generation.

Fellow Super Eagle Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen), Ghana midfielder Mohammed Kudus (West Ham) and Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy (Stuttgart) have all made waves already this season.

Meanwhile, Nigeria fans hope Osimhen’s recognition could provide the impetus for the national side to challenge again for the Afcon trophy, which the West Africans last lifted in 2013.

The side failed to qualify for the finals in 2015 and 2017, finished third in 2019 and were knocked out in the last 16 in the 2021 edition in Cameroon.

“This recognition at the highest level is a massive shot in the arm for Nigeria football,” Abuja Football Association chairman Adam Muktar Mohammed told AFP.

“Evidently, there is an abundance of talent in Nigeria. We only have to harness this talent to be a major force in international football.”

Drogba – whom Osimhen has acknowledged as his idol growing up – believes Nigeria could certainly be a threat at the 2023 Afcon, which kicks off in Ivory Coast next month.

The Super Eagles have been drawn alongside the hosts, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau in Group A at the finals.

“We are waiting for you in January,” Drogba added in his congratulatory message to Osimhen.

Should Osimhen get his hands on the Nations Cup trophy in Abidjan on 11 February, the adulation he has received in football-mad Nigeria since his coronation on Monday night will be pushed to new levels.

Osimhen, the Nigerian striker who made headlines in Italy and also for his contribution in the Super Eagles jersey, won the CAF African Player of the Year for the first time while his compatriot, Oshoala won her record sixth CAF African Women’s Player of the Year.

Osimhen’s remarkable journey saw him fend off stiff competition from Moroccan full-back Achraf Hakimi and Egyptian striker Mohammed Salah.

Nigerian icon Oshoala secured the CAF Women’s Player of the Year for a record sixth time. The attacker’s dominance continued as she inspired Barcelona to Champions League glory, finishing as the club’s top scorer with 27 goals across all competitions.

Morocco’s Walid Regragui was crowned CAF’s Best Coach of the Year in the Men’s category – recognised for guiding the Atlas Lions to a historic World Cup semi-final run in Qatar.

South Africa’s Desiree Ellis secured the Best Coach award in the women’s category for her outstanding work with Banyana Banyana. This was Ellis’ record fourth award in this category, which she has won consistently since 2018.

In CAF InterClub, South Africa and Al Ahly’s Percy Tau won the CAF InterClub Player of the Year.

Senegal’s Lamine Camara, the 19-year-old FC Metz forward, clinched the CAF Young Player of the Year award, marking his meteoric rise in African football.

Moroccan prodigy Nesryne El Chad won the inaugural CAF Women’s Young Player of the Year award.

Morocco won the Men’s National Team award following their performance at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, while Nigeria won the Women’s National Team of the Year award.

Egyptian giants Al Ahly clinched the Male Club of the Year award, with the women’s award going to South African side Mamelodi Sundowns.

South Africa dominated the continent’s Best XI players in the Women Category while two members of Morocco’s World Cup semi-final team were included in the male version.

The ultimate winners in each category were decided through a voting process involving a panel comprising CAF Technical Committee, Head Coaches, National Team captains and media professionals.

Full List of Award Winners:

Player of the Year (Men): Victor Osimhen (Nigeria, Napoli)

Player of the Year (Women): Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria, Barcelona)

Interclub Player of the Year (Men): Percy Tau (South Africa, Al Ahly)

Interclub Player of the Year (Women): Fatima Tagnaout (Morocco, AS FAR)

Coach of the Year (Men): Walid Regragui (Morocco)

Coach of the Year (Women): Desiree Ellis (South Africa)

Goalkeeper of the Year (Men): Yassine Bounou (Morocco, Al Hilal)

Goalkeeper of the Year (Women): Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria, Paris FC)

Young Player of the Year (Men): Lamine Camara (Senegal, Metz)

Young Player of the Year (Women): Nesryne El Chad (Morocco, Lille)

National Team of the Year (Men): Morocco

National Team of the Year (Women): Nigeria

Club of the Year (Men): Al Ahly (Egypt)

Club of the Year (Women): Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)

Men’s Africa XI (As compiled by FIFPRO Africa)

Egypt captain Salah won the Confederation of African Football (Caf) award in 2017 and 2018 – and was runner-up to Sadio Mane in 2019 and 2022 – while right-back Hakimi played a crucial role in Morocco’s historic run to the semi-finals at the 2022 Fifa World Cup.

Yet Osimhen was the highest-ranked African player in the 2023 Men’s Ballon d’Or vote, finishing eighth after scoring 26 goals last season to help Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years.

But, should he be overlooked, the 24-year-old will join a long list of illustrious players who failed to win the biggest individual prize on the continent.

BBC Sport Africa profiles some of the other big names from across the continent who missed out on the Caf award.

Jay-Jay Okocha (Nigeria)

Regarded as one of the best dribblers in the history of the game, Super Eagles midfield maestro Okocha made the Caf shortlist three times.

He was a central part of Nigeria’s golden generation which won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) and the gold medal at the 1996 Olympic Games, beating Brazil and Argentina on the way.

Okocha’s brightest moment was at the 1998 World Cup in France, dazzling with his dribbling skills as Nigeria exited in the round of 16, but he narrowly missed out to Morocco’s Mustapha Hadji at the Caf awards that year by just two points.

He was again named on the shortlist in 2003 and 2004 but finished third on both occasions, with Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o gaining the prize despite Okocha finishing as joint top scorer and man of the competition at the 2004 Afcon.

Meanwhile, former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel took second place in 2013 while ex-Everton striker Daniel Amokachi rounded off the podium in both 1995 and 1996.

Michael Essien (Ghana)

Another mercurial midfielder from West Africa, Essien was combative in the middle of the park and had a knack for scoring spectacular long-range goals.

Essien won back-to-back French titles with Lyon and was named Ligue 1 Player of the Year in 2005 before joining Chelsea for a then-African record fee of £24.4 million.

The Ghana international became a key man for the Blues over the course of almost a decade at Stamford Bridge, helping the west London club win two Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the Champions League in 2012.

He made the Caf award shortlist every year from 2005 to 2009, and finished second behind Mali striker Frederic Kanoute in 2007.

Ghana’s all-time leading goalscorer Asamoah Gyan is another notable name to miss out, finishing behind Eto’o in 2010, while Bayern Munich and Black Stars centre-back Samuel Kuffour was second in both 1999 and 2001.

Mohamed Aboutrika (Egypt)

Egypt were an unstoppable force in African football between 2006 and 2010, lifting three consecutive Afcon titles. and one man at the heart of that all-conquering Pharaohs side was Aboutrika.

An attacking midfielder with an eye for goal, he was prolific for his country and for club side Al Ahly, where he won five African Champions League and four Caf Super Cup titles.

Aboutrika won Caf’s inter-club Player of the Year award four times, was named in Caf’s Team of the Year four times and was selected in the Afcon Dream Team twice.

His desire not to leave his home country for a career elsewhere may have hurt his chances of winning the major Caf award, with the closest he came being a second-place finish behind Emmanuel Adebayor in 2008.

Egypt striker Hossam Hassan also missed out over the course of his two-decade career which saw him win three Afcon titles and finish as top scorer in the 1998 tournament.

Benni McCarthy (South Africa)

Joint top scorer at the 1998 Afcon with seven goals (alongside Hassan) and a Champions League winner with Porto in 2004, McCarthy was one of Africa’s most potent strikers of his generation.

His partnership up front with Shaun Bartlett made Bafana Bafana one of the continent’s top sides and he featured at the World Cup in 1998 and 2002.

However, McCarthy missed out on selection for the South Africa squads which won the 1996 Afcon on home soil and hosted the 2010 World Cup.

Despite a trophy-laden career in the Netherlands and Portugal, McCarthy never made it onto the shortlist for the Caf award.

Elsewhere in southern Africa, Christopher Katongo was overlooked in 2012 after captaining Zambia to a shock Afcon triumph – yet the forward could console himself with being voted the 2012 BBC African Footballer of the Year, winning with more than 40% of public votes.

Seydou Keita (Mali)

The midfielder was a key part of Pep Guardiola’s dominant Barcelona side which won three consecutive La Liga titles between 2009 and 2011, having become the first Malian to represent the Catalan club after joining from Sevilla in 2008.

He won the Champions League, Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup with Barca in 2009 and 2011, and also was included in Caf’s Team of the Year following those triumphs.

Keita was named in second place behind Yaya Toure for the 2011 award, and he went on to help Mali to third-place finishes at the 2012 and 2013 editions of Afcon.

Kalidou Koulibaly is another West African who has missed out in the individual prize, which was not awarded in 2020 or 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Now with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, the centre-back captained Senegal to the Afcon title last year but saw Teranga Lions team-mates Mane and Edouard Mendy on the podium with Salah instead.

The Super Eagles star was presented with the award on Monday night after helping his side win their first league title in 33 years.

Osimhen scored 26 Serie A goals in 2022-23, breaking George Weah’s record as the highest-scoring African in the Italian top flight in the process.

The former Lille and Wolfsburg striker became the first African to ever win the AIC award, joining the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Andrea Pirlo, Cristiano Ronaldo and last year’s winner Rafael Leao as recipients of the prize.

“Thank you for the recognition and awards, thank you my family, friends and supporters for your votes and unending support,” Osimhen, who was also included in the Serie A team of the year, said in a message posted on X.

Osimhen has been hit by injury this season but the 24-year-old has scored six goals in 10 league games, having returned to action for Walter Mazzari’s side as a substitute in the win against Atalanta on 25 November.

With the AIC award following his eighth-placed finish in the 2023 men’s Ballon d’Or, the striker will hope to become the first Nigerian player to claim the Confederation of African Football (Caf) men’s Player of the Year trophy since former Arsenal forward Nwankwo Kanu did so in 1999.

Meanwhile, it was a double delight for Africa as Malawi international Tabitha Chawinga won the AIC’s women’s prize after she finished as the domestic top scorer last season with 23 goals for Inter Milan.

The 27-year-old striker, who is now on loan at Paris St-Germain, was the first African woman to be the highest-scoring player in Serie A Femminile.

However, Chawinga has been surprisingly overlooked by Caf for its African Women’s Player of the Year award, missing out from the shortlist of nominees.

The winners of the Caf awards will be announced on Monday, 11 December in Marrakesh, Morocco.

Reports suggested the 24-year-old – valued by Napoli at £173m – would join Al-Hilal, who had already signed Wolves captain Ruben Neves and Neymar.

The Nigeria forward scored 31 goals in all competitions last season to help Napoli win the Serie A title.

“The more I said no to them, the more they increased it,” Osimhen said.

“That week was a huge decision for me to make but I put everything in God’s hands.

“It was literally like ‘wow, this is surreal’. I spoke with the people in charge and spoke about it with the club.”

Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, he added: “They never gave up until the end of their own transfer window. I said before I played the first game of the season I really don’t want to go back thinking that it was going to change my life.

“But I had to make the decision what is good for my career, as much as we play football for the money.”

‘Idol’ Drogba provides extra motivation

Osimhen finished last season as the fifth-highest scorer in Europe, which also attracted interest from Premier League clubs Manchester United and Chelsea.

The striker fired Napoli to a first league title since Diego Maradona’s side in 1990, with the Italian club also reaching the Champions League quarter-finals.

He described former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba as one of his football idols, reflecting on a message he sent him last season that helped provide “double motivation”.

“I am still learning and watching a lot of Drogba’s highlights as well as some other amazing strikers,” the 24-year-old said.

“Last season he texted me on Instagram. When it is someone you like and idolise so much, and when you see Didier Drogba with the verified page – at first I went on to his page to see if it was the real one.

“I took a screenshot of it a few times and then replied. The message was really inspiring and encouraging to me.

“That he is watching and rooting for me, I got motivation. Then getting your idol texting you motivation, that is a huge one for me also. It is like double motivation.”

Osimhen denied there was any substance in the links to Chelsea and Manchester United over the summer, but said that growing up he admired the Premier League because of the “exciting” and “high-intensity” football.

He added: “I don’t have a boyhood Premier League team but I have two jerseys from my brother because I played grassroots football.

“I had one with Chelsea and one with Manchester United – the one with Vodafone on it.

“A lot of my friends were Chelsea fans and a few Manchester United, but in Nigeria, everyone watches Premier League.”

The Serie A side sparked controversy this week when they posted videos on their TikTok account mocking striker Victor Osimhen, leading to his agent threatening to take legal action.

The first video posted showed the 24-year-old appealing for a penalty, with sped-up audio captioned ‘Gimme penalty please’ before showing him blazing the spot-kick wide of the post.

A second video from the club’s account, which has been circulated online and since deleted, compared Osimhen to a ‘coconut’ – widely viewed as a racial slur.

And now, in the wake of the saga, the club’s social media executive has left the club and confirmed the news via a post on his personal Instagram account.

Alessio Fortino wrote: ‘Today, after 805 days, my professional adventure with SSC Naples ends.

‘For many this job would be comparable to a dream, for me it was simple daily reality: a reality built on commitment and fueled by the constant desire to learn and play.

‘I cannot help but express my deepest gratitude to all the colleagues, collaborators, partners and supporters I’ve met along this long journey for making this experience so special.

‘Leaving the company with a baggage of great memories and an excitement for the new adventures that lie ahead.

‘Thanks again for everything and see you soon! Alessio’.

In response to the incident, Napoli insisted they ‘never wanted to mock’ Osimhen but stopped short of publicly apologising for the incident.

Osimhen received a private apology from Napoli directors on Wednesday for the club’s behaviour on social media, but he is upset that they did not also make a public apology, according to Il Corriere dello Sport.

The striker has deleted pictures of himself in Napoli shirts from his Instagram and refused to celebrate after scoring against both Udinese and Lecce in the past week.

Despite the TikTok videos being posted, Osimhen still made himself available for Napoli’s league clash with Udinese on Wednesday night and against Lecce on Saturday.

He started the match at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium and scored the second goal in a 4-1 win, although he refused to celebrate.

He then played again in their 4-0 away win against Lecce, where he scored their second goal of the day.

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The Serie A club were criticised for sharing a video on TikTok appearing to mock the Nigerian for missing a penalty last week but said they “never meant to offend” the 24-year-old.

The footage included a caricature voice saying “gimme penalty please”.

After scoring in Napoli’s 4-0 win at Lecce on Saturday, Osimhen reiterated his love for Napoli on Instagram.

“Coming to the city of Naples in 2020 was a wonderful decision for me,” said Osimhen.

“The people of Naples have shown me so much love and kindness, and I will not allow anyone to come between us.

“The passion of the people of Naples fuels my fire to always play with my heart and soul, and the love for the badge is unwavering as I wear it with pride.

“I have a lot of friends who are Neapolitans and have become part of my family and everyday life. I appreciate Nigerians and everyone for lending their voices to support and reach out to me.

“Let’s continue to spread unity, respect and understanding. Forza Napoli Sempre.”

Osimhen’s agent threatened legal action against the club for the post, which has now been deleted, while manager Rudi Garcia said midweek he is “invested 100%” in the Serie A club despite the incident.

Nigeria’s Sports Minister John Owan Enoh said his country is pursuing diplomatic avenues with Italy over the incident, and insisted the Nigerian government places a priority on protecting the welfare of its athletes.

“We are committed to ensuring our sportsmen and women are accorded the respect they deserve and are not exposed to any injustice,” he said.

Osimhen joined Napoli for a club-record 81.3m euros (£70m) in the summer of 2020 and he was integral to helping them win a first Serie A title in 33 years last season, scoring 26 goals in 32 league appearances.

Mr Enoh on Thursday said that he was “saddened” by the news of Napoli ridiculing the 24-year-old striker, who also plays for Nigeria’s national football team.

The club shared a video on their TikTok account of Osimhen missing a penalty, dubbed with a high-pitched voice saying “gimme penalty please”.

The club deleted the post after a backlash, but the player’s agent has threatened legal action against the club.

Mr Enoh also said that the Nigerian government placed a priority on protecting the welfare of its athletes.

“We are committed to ensuring our sportsmen and women are accorded the respect they deserve and are not exposed to any injustice,” Mr Enoh said.

On Thursday, Napoli released a statement saying that the video was created with “expressive language used in a light-hearted and playful manner”.

It also said that it “never intended to offend or make fun of Victor Osimhen, who is an asset to the club”.

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• Napoli ‘never meant to offend’ Osimhen but no apology

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The club shared a video on their TikTok account of Nigeria’s Osimhen missing a penalty, dubbed with a high-pitched voice saying “gimme penalty please”.

The 24-year-old’s agent has threatened legal action against the club.

A Napoli statement said it was “never the club’s intent to offend Victor” should he “have perceived it that way”.

The social media post has since been deleted.
“So as to avoid the topic being manipulated in any way, Napoli points out that it never meant to offend or mock Victor Osimhen, who is a technical asset of the club,” a statement on the club’s website read.

“Proof of this is the fact that the club firmly rejected all the offers it received for the attacker’s transfer abroad.”

Napoli boss Rudi Garcia said Osimhen is “invested 100%” in the Serie A club after he scored in a 4-1 win over Udinese on Wednesday – the first game since the incident.

Osimhen scored his side’s second goal in a comfortable win but made no attempt to celebrate before he was mobbed by his teammates.

Nigeria international Osimhen joined Napoli for a club-record 81.3m euros (£70m) in the summer of 2020 and he was integral to helping them win a first Serie A title in 33 years last season, scoring 26 goals in 32 league appearances.

“I can assure you that Victor loves this jersey,” Garcia said. “He is invested 100% in our project.

“I have a very good relationship with Victor. I am happy for him because he scored tonight. After the match in Bologna, we were all frustrated, angry, Victor in particular, because he missed the penalty.

“On the sporting aspect and on other levels, especially on TikTok, there have been a lot of things to manage in recent days.”

Osimhen scored his side’s second goal but made no attempt to celebrate before he was mobbed by his teammates.

Napoli shared a video since deleted, on their TikTok account showing the striker missing a penalty, with a high-pitched voice saying “gimme penalty please” dubbed over the top.

Osimhen’s agent has threatened to take legal action against Napoli.

The Serie A champions opened the scoring when Piotr Zielinski converted from the penalty spot after referee Gianluca Manganiello was sent to the screen by video assistant referee following a foul on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Osimhen then collected a pass from Matteo Politano and slotted past Udinese goalkeeper Marco Silvestri six minutes before half-time.

Kvaratskhelia hit the post twice early in the second half before pouncing on an error from Jaka Bijol to race clear, dink the ball over Silvestri and roll it home to end a run of 17 games without a goal.

A fine solo effort from Lazar Samardzic got one back for Udinese with 10 minutes remaining but just a minute later Giovanni Simeone, on to replace Osimhen, restored Napoli’s three-goal advantage.

The win moves fifth-placed Napoli to within four points of leaders Inter Milan.

Napoli shared a video on their TikTok account showing the striker missing a penalty against Bologna, with a high-pitched voice saying ”gimme penalty please” dubbed over the top.

The post has since been deleted.

“We reserve the right to take legal action and any useful initiative to protect Victor,” Calenda wrote on X.

“What happened today on Napoli’s official profile on the TikTok platform is not acceptable.

“A video mocking Victor was first made public and then, but now belatedly, deleted. A serious fact that causes very serious damage to the player and adds to the treatment that the boy is suffering in the last period between media trials and fake news.”

Osimhen was seen questioning manager Rudi Garcia when he was taken off in the 86th minute of Sunday’s goalless draw against Bologna.

Nigeria international Osimhen joined Napoli for a club-record 81.3m euros in the summer of 2020 and he was integral to helping them win a first Serie A title in 33 years last season, scoring 26 goals in 32 league appearances.

The 24-year-old – who was heavily linked with Chelsea and Manchester United this summer – has scored three goals in six appearances this campaign.

The Saudi Pro League club have already had a bid of €300m (£259m) for Paris St-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe accepted this summer – although the player declined to meet with them – and also tried to sign Lionel Messi before he moved to Inter Miami.

It is thought Napoli would want more than €150m (£128.8m) to even consider selling a player who finished top of the Serie A goalscoring chart last season as they won the league title.

Osimhen, aged 24, was a transfer target for Manchester United this summer, with talks over a new contract with Napoli stalling.

Sky Italy are reporting a meeting between Napoli and Osimhen’s agent failed to find a resolution on an extension to his deal, which runs until the summer of 2025.

Last month, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis was asked about the progress of a new contract for Osimhen. He said: “We have a basic agreement on a two-year extension, but [we are] willing to consider an offer we could not refuse.”

Ruben Neves from Wolves, Kalidou Koulibaly from Chelsea and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic from Lazio have all signed for Al Hilal this summer.

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My heartfelt congratulations to you, Victor Osimhen! I am very glad that you have accomplished a major milestone in your football career, after scoring your 47th goal in the Italian Serie A league.

The records show that with this goal, which you netted on Sunday, May 7, 2023, when your team Napoli went against Fiorentina, effectively makes you the African with the highest scoring record in the Italian Serie A league – surpassing my own account of 46 goals.

I am so proud of your exploits and congratulate you on this remarkable achievement which is a result of your hard work, dedication and tenacity. I am also pleased with your kind words of honour in tribute to me upon reaching such a giant milestone.

However, I want to admonish you not be contented. There are many more of my records for you to break. I wish you go on to achieve greater success.

I watched Played and even predicted your goal against Udinese when your 52nd-minute header won the Scudetto for Napoli. Your movement, your passion, your determination and your hunger brought back many memories to me. I wait for your 100th Goal in all competitions in Italy so that you can celebrate (but don’t remove your shirt like I did or you will get a Yellow Card)

You have won one Scudetto. Great. When I won my first Scudetto with Milan, I said to myself, why one, why not two? I went on to win another Scudetto with Milan. I went on to win the Ballon d’Or. So why not two or more for you Victor? The sky is your limit. With your dedication, commitment, humility, and hard work, you can conquer the World. Africa needs another World Best. Africa needs another European Best. You Victor, can deliver that for us.

The records that I set were meant not as a challenge, but as a motivation to you and other African Players. We have the best of talents. You have to remain humble, tenacious and focused. Don’t be distracted.

There are many great African players in the European leagues. They are already up against the hurdles of playing against many odds in leagues and stadiums so far away from home which present challenges for them; so to beat the odds and climb to the top is worth our commendation.

May you continue to surge forward. My prayers are with you. My blessings are also with you. I am rooting for you Victor! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!

H.E. George Manneh Weah

LEGEND

President of the Republic of Liberia

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With Luciano Spalletti’s side two goals up from the first leg, the Nigeria striker’s thumping header in first-half stoppage time dispelled any lingering nerves at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

Osimhen doubled the Italians’ lead on the night with a close-range finish from Giovanni di Lorenzo’s cross eight minutes after the break and, having been brought down in the box, Piotr Zielinski converted the penalty himself to make it 3-0.

With a commanding 18-point lead at the top of Serie A, Napoli head into the last eight with a real chance to compete for top prize in European football.

The build-up to match had been overshadowed as Eintracht Frankfurt fans clashed with police after arriving in Naples despite being banned from attending the second leg of the last-16 tie.