The Super Eagles vice-captain, William Troost-Ekong, reveals why he took the penalty instead of Victor Osimhen during the 2023 AFCON game against Ivory Coast according to goal.com.
In the crucial Group A match on January 18, where Nigeria needed a win, Osimhen was fouled in the penalty box, leading to a penalty awarded to Nigeria after VAR review.
Despite Osimhen being the designated penalty taker, Troost-Ekong stepped up and successfully converted the penalty.
Troost-Ekong, who plays as a center-back for Super League Greece club PAOK, explained in an interview with the BBC that Osimhen gave him permission to take the kick.
He stated, “Victor is our first choice; he said he wanted me to take it. Of course, I couldn’t say no. We practice penalties, and I took one against Ghana. Maybe it was the moment of the game, but I was feeling good.”
Acknowledging that he would have been happy for Osimhen to take the penalty, Troost-Ekong expressed confidence that Osimhen would score many more goals for the team.
In response, Osimhen, who has scored one goal in the 2023 AFCON, emphasized the team’s success over individual achievements. He said, “For me, I don’t mind. I can take it, and if I score or I miss, it is part of the game.
But, of course, he took it and he scored it, and it shows great leadership. The team winning is the most important thing.”
The Napoli striker’s selfless attitude towards the team’s success was evident, highlighting the importance of collective achievements.
