Liberian President George Weah has praised Victor Osimhen, the forward for the Super Eagles, following Nigeria’s victory in the AFCON finals with a 2-0 lead on Sunday. Osimhen, who has been enjoying a remarkable season with 25 league goals, helping Napoli secure their first Italian Serie A title in 33 years, received a personal letter of congratulations from President Weah, who also advised him to continue achieving new milestones.
President Weah, accompanied by Nigeria’s Ambassadors to Liberia and Sierra Leone, Excellencies Godfrey Odudigbo and Henry Omakwu, respectively, as well as other dignitaries, watched the match from the presidential box at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Paynesville. The Liberian President was impressed by Osimhen’s skills, describing him as a striker with exceptional positioning, athleticism, and fighting spirit.
Osimhen is currently the leading scorer in the AFCON qualifying series, with seven goals and a total of 17 goals in 25 appearances for Nigeria at the senior level. His seven goals in this qualifying campaign include a crucial goal against Sierra Leone in Abuja in June 2022, securing a 2-1 victory for Nigeria on the opening day of the series. Additionally, he scored four of the 10 goals against Sao Tome and Principe in Agadir, Morocco, on the same day Nigeria set a new international win-record.
President Weah is not the only admirer of the talented footballer. Excited Liberian and Sierra Leonean fans reportedly gathered near the Super Eagles’ dressing room, chanting, “We want Victor!”
Osimhen’s two goals propelled Nigeria ahead of Sierra Leone, although Mustapha Bundu and Augustus Kargbo equalized. In extra time, Kelechi Iheanacho scored after a remarkable run from Zaidu Sanusi, stunning the Liberian defense.
With 12 points and a match to spare, Nigeria secured a spot in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals, alongside second-placed Guinea Bissau with 10 points. Sierra Leone was eliminated from the competition, having earned only five points.
The 14 countries that have qualified for the Cote d’Ivoire 2023 AFCON finals are Cote d’Ivoire (hosts), Morocco, Algeria, South Africa, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Tunisia, Egypt, Zambia, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau, and Mali. The remaining 10 countries are expected to emerge in September.
In September, Nigeria will host Sao Tome and Principe, already eliminated from the group, in a match that holds no significance for the standings.
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