BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
The last time Nigeria won the Africa Cup of Nations 11 years ago, Victor Moses scored the decisive goals of the last group match that propelled the Super Eagles into the next stage and consequently to the winning of the trophy.
The burden of success again falls on another Victor. This time, attention is on Victor Osimhen as Nigeria looks forward to top the Group A, if the Super Eagles beat Guinea Bissau and hosts, Cote d’Ivoire also come out victorious.
Osimhen, Nigeria’s most lethal point man has played over 180 minutes across two matches against Guinea Bissau in the qualifying stage but never scored.
Monday’s match, symbolically Nigeria’s 100th match in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations, may present Osimhen the opportunity to prove his proficiency.
Should he succeed in scoring, especially the first goal for Nigeria, it will turn a milestone of 140th.
No fewer than three previous milestone goals scored for Nigeria had been by players with the name: Victor.
Victor Ikpeba, African Footballer of the Year 1997 scored Nigeria’s 70th goal in Africa Cup of Nations when he scored the first of his two goals against Tunisia in the 2000 edition in Lagos.
Another Victor, Victor Obinna Nsofor score the 100th goal, also against Tunisia in 2006.
Victor Nsofor went on to score Nigeria’s 110th goal. It was the goal that won Nigeria the third place match against Algeria in 2010.
Will another Victor be victorious with another victory and the milestone 140th goal? All eyes are on Victor Osimhen.
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