AFCON: ‘We’ve played in front of 90,000 fans before’ — Osimhen dismisses Morocco home advantage

Osimhen celebrates with teammates

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

Nigeria will face Morocco for a place in the 2025 AFCON final on Wednesday at 9 pm Nigerian time.

Morocco is hosting the competition, and the match will be held at the almost 70,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, the country’s capital. Supporters of the host nation are expected to make up the majority of spectators for the semi-final match.

Speaking ahead of the encounter in chat with CBSSportsGolazo, Osimhen acknowledged the home-crowd advantage for Morocco but said several Eagles players have experience and performed well in even bigger, more intimidating atmospheres.

He added that although Morocco possess “a good squad”, Nigeria have developed 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. We don’t even talk about the Morocco team in the camp; we just take one game as they come,” the striker said.

“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.

“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.

“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.”