Former Chelsea midfield maestro, John Obi Mikel, has thrown his support behind Napoli’s prolific forward, Victor Osimhen, tipping him as a strong contender for the prestigious Player of the Tournament title at the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Sports247 reports.
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In an exclusive interview with CNN, Mikel, an integral part of Nigeria’s football legacy, drew parallels between Victor Osimhen and the legendary Didier Drogba, highlighting shared attributes of strength, skill, and a prolific goal-scoring record.
The ex-Chelsea star expressed unwavering confidence in Osimhen’s ability to significantly impact the Super Eagles’ campaign in the 34th edition of the biennial tournament.
Describing Victor Osimhen as a “strong, young, and energetic striker,” Mikel praised Nigeria’s striking force and underlined the Napoli forward’s potential to shine on the continental stage.
With challenging group-stage matchups against formidable opponents such as Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau, Osimhen’s performance is anticipated to play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s quest for success.
As the Super Eagles intensify preparations in Abu Dhabi, Osimhen is among the six players yet to join the team base at the time of this report.
Despite this, the reigning CAF Men’s Player of the Year is expected to arrive before midday on Thursday, January 4, 2024.
Mikel, a staunch admirer of his young compatriot, confidently asserted, “If I need to pick a player who will probably win the Player of the Tournament, I will go for Victor Osimhen.”
The endorsement adds to the excitement surrounding Osimhen’s potential impact in the upcoming AFCON, building anticipation among football enthusiasts and Super Eagles supporters alike.
