Former Arsenal stalwart, Kolo Toure, has bestowed glowing praise upon Victor Osimhen, the standout performer for the Super Eagles, as Nigeria gears up for the highly anticipated 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final showdown against Ivory Coast this Sunday.
Toure, renowned for his defensive prowess during his illustrious career, didn’t hold back in extolling Osimhen’s attributes, labeling the Napoli forward as “super powerful” while emphasizing his blistering pace, which has proven to be a nightmare for opposition defenders throughout the tournament.
Despite registering just one goal thus far in the AFCON campaign, Osimhen’s impact transcends mere statistics, with his ability to wreak havoc on the pitch drawing admiration from pundits and fans alike.
At 25 years old, Osimhen epitomizes dynamism and versatility, embodying the essence of modern attacking football.
In a candid interview with the BBC World Service on Friday, Toure articulated his admiration for the Nigerian sensation, asserting, “He is a super powerful player, he’s got unbelievable speed.”
Toure’s assessment resonates with the sentiments echoed by many football aficionados who have marveled at Osimhen’s electrifying performances.
The Nigeria’s solitary goal belies his overall contribution to the team, with his presence alone often destabilizing opposing defenses and creating opportunities for his teammates. Toure emphasized this point, remarking, “He has scored only one goal so far but what he brings to that team is incredible.”
Toure, who undoubtedly understands the intricacies of defensive tactics, offered insight into the challenge posed by Osimhen’s presence on the field, cautioning Ivory Coast to remain vigilant and prepared for his explosive bursts forward.
“As soon as Nigeria has the ball they will look for Osimhen in the space because he is super quick,” Toure elucidated. “They need to be really ready for the ball, and just anticipate that and run behind as fast as they can.”
As the AFCON final looms large, Osimhen stands as a symbol of Nigerian footballing excellence, poised to leave an indelible mark on the grandest stage of African football.
With Toure’s glowing endorsement amplifying the anticipation, football enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await Osimhen’s next breathtaking display of skill and athleticism, as he seeks to propel Nigeria to glory in the AFCON final.
