•Victor Osimhen (L) and colleague Super Eagles players
Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, has played down concerns over Morocco’s home advantage ahead of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final showdown with the host nation later today.
He insisted that there is “no pressure” in the Nigerian camp.
Nigeria will face Morocco tonight at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with kickoff scheduled for 9 pm Nigerian time.
The nearly 70,000 capacity stadium is expected to be packed with Moroccan supporters eager to drive their team into the final of the 2025 tournament.
However, Osimhen believes the intimidating atmosphere will not unsettle the Super Eagles, noting that several players in the squad are already accustomed to performing on the biggest stages in world football.
Speaking in an interview with CBS Sports Golazo ahead of the crucial encounter, the forward acknowledged Morocco’s home support but said the Eagles are focused solely on their own mission.
“There is no pressure in the camp. We don’t even talk about the Morocco team. We just take one game at a time and focus on what we have to do”, Osimhen said.
The 25-year-old striker described Morocco as a strong and well organised side but maintained that Nigeria has built a reputation as one of the most formidable teams at the tournament.
“We just played a very big nation, Algeria, and we showed the whole world that this team is really ready to fight for the trophy.
“Of course it will not be easy. The Moroccans will be playing in front of thousands of their fans, and that is an advantage for them. But many of us here have played in stadiums with 80,000 or 90,000 supporters”, he added.
Osimhen stressed that experience at club level across Europe has prepared the Super Eagles for high pressure environments.
“For me personally, there is absolutely no pressure. I just focus on my team. When the match day comes, we will give everything and hope for the win. It won’t be easy, but we believe we have a chance”, he noted.
The striker has been one of Nigeria’s standout performers at the tournament, scoring four goals to place himself among the leading scorers.
He is also just two goals away from equalling the Super Eagles’ all time goal record held by the late Rashidi Yekini.
