Victor Osimhen says there is “no pressure” on the Super Eagles ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final clash against Morocco on Wednesday, January 14.

 

 

 

Nigeria will face the host nation at the 70,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat at 9pm Nigerian time, with Moroccan supporters expected to make up most of the crowd.

 

 

Speaking in an interview with CBSSportsGolazo ahead of the match, Osimhen acknowledged Morocco’s home-crowd advantage but said several players in the Nigerian squad are accustomed to performing in even bigger and more intimidating stadiums.

 

 

 

He also described Morocco as having “a good squad”, but noted that Nigeria have earned a reputation as “one of the most feared teams in this tournament”.

 

 

“Considering the kind of talents we have in the squad. I think there is no pressure in the camp,” Osimhen said. “We don’t even talk about the Morocco team in the camp; we just take one game as they come.”

 

 

 

“We just played a very big nation, Algeria, and we just displayed something that the whole world sees that these guys are really up for the trophy.”

 

 

 

He added that playing in front of tens of thousands of Moroccan supporters would not unsettle the Eagles.

 

 

 

“But of course it’s not going to be easy because the Moroccans are playing in thousands in front of their crowd, which is an advantage for them,” he said. “I think many of us here in the Super Eagles have played in Stadiums where there is 80,000 and 90,000 capacity.”

 

 

 

“So for me, personally, there is absolutely no pressure, I just focus on my team, and when the day of the match comes, we just give everything and hope for the win. It’s not going to be easy, but I think we’ve got a chance.”

 

 

 

Osimhen has scored four goals at the tournament and is among the competition’s top scorers. He is also two goals away from equalling the Super Eagles’ all-time AFCON scoring record held by the late Rashidi Yekini.