AFCON 2023: What ‘ruthless’ Victor Osimhen said ahead of Nigeria’s crucial tie against Guinea-Bissau

There is a knockout round ticket on the line when the Super Eagles trade tackles with the Djurtus later today

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has vowed that the Super Eagles will show no mercy to Guinea-Bissau when the two teams meet on Monday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Guinea-Bissau and Nigeria will complete their group stage schedule at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with a clash at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan.

The Bissauguineans are already out of the competition, losing their first two games against hosts Cote d’Ivoire and Equatorial Guinea.

Nigeria, however, can finish as the leaders in Group A with a win over the Djurtus, should the result go their way in the other match between Equatorial Guinea and Cote d’Ivoire.

The Super Eagles are favourites on paper to overcome Guinea-Bissau with ease, but Nigeria lost to the Wild Dogs on home soil during the 2023 AFCON qualifiers.

Osimhen admits it would be foolhardy to underestimate a team that handed the Eagles a first AFCON qualifying defeat in six years.

The Napoli striker, who won the penalty that helped Nigeria beat Ivory Coast 1-0 on matchday two, has backed the Super Eagles to unleash their best resources towards beating the Bissauguineans.

“We know the Guinea-Bissau, the way they play. They upset us in Abuja. Of course, just like the way people saw how we play against the Ivorians,” Osimhen said in a video posted on social media.

“We are going to be all determination and ruthlessness to the Guinea-Bissau team.

“We’ll never underrate them because we know the way they play. But of course, the team wants to win, want to top the group, and make sure we get to progress in this competition.

“I think we are ready.”

Osimhen scored Nigeria’s first goal in Cote d’Ivoire in the Eagles 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea.

Aside from the goal, the reigning African Player of the Year missed several chances in that encounter.

Osimhen also fired high and wide Nigeria’s best chance from open play against the Ivorians.

Still, the 25-year-old forward is not bothered by his wastefulness in goal as long as the Super Eagles win.

Osimhen added: “Personally for me, I will always give my best for the team to win. I don’t care if I score or don’t score. Of course, when I get my chances, I will bury them. But I think I am ready, and I’m going to give my all to make sure the team continues to win.”

Nigeria have two wins in three games against Guinea-Bissau, with the meeting in Abidjan being their fourth meeting.

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