Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has revealed what he told teammate Semi Ajayi before his acrobatic goal against Benin Republic in Saturday's 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, qualifying match.
Osimhen came off the bench to score an acrobatic goal in the second half as Nigeria defeated Benin 3-0 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
His teammate Ademola Lookman scored a brace during the encounter.
However, Osimhen has revealed that he communicated with Ajayi in Yoruba, urging the defender to leave the ball for him.
Speaking to Counter Attack Podcast, Osimhen said:
"I have watched it [the goal] close to like ten times. The last training before the game, me, Aina, Awoniyi and Wilfred, we were doing this same practice, we did it more than ten times to be able to just do the cross inside the penalty box.
"For sure you will be present there as a striker. When he [Ndidi] did the cross, Semi was also going towards the ball.
"If he hits it, he can score or maybe the goalkeeper parries it, I saw that I had a clear chance than him. I told him in Yoruba, 'filẹ, filẹ,' meaning 'leave it' so he understood what I meant, and then he left it."
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