AFCON 2023: List of Former EPL Stars Who Met With Victor Osimhen in Ivory Coast
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering sports and football.
Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire - Super Eagles of Nigeria's arguably best performer at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Victor Osimhen, is the reigning African Footballer of the Year.
The Napoli of Italy striker is on a mission to write his legacy at AFCON 2023 in Côte d'Ivoire as Nigeria guns for her fourth title.
Source: Getty Images
Although not banging in the goals, Osimhen has been praised for his work rate and overall contribution to the squad, especially his performance in the round-of-16 match against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.
In Ivory Coast, everyone wants to make contact with Osimhen, and former English Premier League (EPL) stars are not left behind.
In this report, Legit.ng highlights ex-EPL stars who have met Osimhen at AFCON 2023 — personally or in a group.
1. Emmanuel Adebayor
Togo legend, Emmanuel Adebayor, visited Osimhen and the Super Eagles at their Pullman Hotel base in Abidjan.
The former Arsenal and Manchester City striker then expressed his support for the team to win the coveted trophy in Cote d'Ivoire.
2. Djibril Cissé
After the Super Eagles game against Cote d'Ivoire, Osimhen was spotted having a moment with Champions League winner and Liverpool legend, Cisse. Chelsea and Ivory Coast legend Didier Drogba was also present.
A viral video showed the trio chatting shortly after the final whistle in the tunnel.
Nigeria managed to secure a 1-0 victory over Ivory Coast on January 18, with Osimhen playing a crucial role in the win. His tenacity on the field resulted in a penalty, subsequently contributing significantly to the match's outcome.
3. Didier Drogba
Victor Osimhen has been linked with a transfer to both Arsenal and Chelsea.
The 25-year-old was able to celebrate the Super Eagle's AFCON win over Cameroon in the presence of his 'idol' Drogba.
Osimhen enjoyed a friendly moment with his hero for another playful embrace before granting an interview alongside Drogba.
The current African football king paid tribute to the Chelsea legend.
He told Ivorian network NCI on January 27:
"It’s an honour to play on the land of Didier Drogba, my idol."
4. Jay-Jay Okocha
Former Nigeria captain, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, handed the Super Eagles a boost ahead of their 2023 AFCON clash against Ivory Coast. Okocha paid Osimhen and the players a visit.
The former Nigeria captain visited the current Super Eagles players during their dinner on Wednesday night, January 17.
It was indeed a visit the players needed, as most of them were happy to see the highly respected retired playmaker join them in camp.
Okocha's visit was also appreciated by Super Eagles boss Jose Peseiro, who thanked him for coming to show support for the players ahead of the all-important encounter.
Earlier, on January 14, Okocha casually met with Osimhen and his teammates after the Eagles' opening match versus Equatorial Guinea. The match ended in a draw.
Okocha is a legend at Bolton Wanderers, a club he skippered in the EPL.
Watch the video below:
What to know about Osimhen, AFCON:
- Osimhen prostrates to greet his former school teacher
- CAF reportedly picks Osimhen for drug test following superb performance against Cameroon
- 2023 AFCON: Asamoah Gyan hails Osimhen after Cameroon match
Nwabali receives criticism for alleged unethical act
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Super Eagles goalkeeper and one of the shining lights of AFCON 2023, Stanley Nwabali, came under criticism for posting a picture without its watermark.
Some X users reprimanded Nwabali for putting up a picture of him, whose original copy had been tampered with.
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