Why I let Troost-Ekong take winning penalty against Cote d’Ivoire – Osimhen

Nigeria forward, Victor Osimhen has explained his decision to allow defender William Troost-Ekong to take a penalty that gave Super Eagles the win over Cote d’Ivoire at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Jose Peseiro’s men faced the Elephants on Thursday, January 18 and Osimhen won a penalty during the encounter after he was fouled in the box.

Many expected the 25-year-old, who is the Super Eagles’ number one penalty taker to take the spot-kick against the host.

However, it was Troost-Ekong who stepped forward and converted the spot-kick to give the three-time AFCON champions a 1-0 win over Ivory Coast.

At the post-match press conference, the Napoli star was asked whether the decision to allow Troost-Ekong take the penalty was his or head coach and he said it was Peseiro’s instruction.

Victo Osimhen, however, noted that he does not mind who takes a penalty or scores for the team because his primary concern is the progress of the team.

He said; “It was the coach. He wanted me to take it but I have to respect it, he’s the captain. For me, I really don’t mind who takes the penalty or who scores for the team. I want the team to win. I want the team to progress so this is the most important thing for me.”