Osimhen: 'Big Congratulations to Morocco; Constant Vigilance Needed Against Top Teams'

Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian national team player, congratulated his Moroccan counterparts after their qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations final, while also expressing his teammates' disappointment at failing to reach the final stage.

Osimhen said in a media statement: "I think my teammates and I, we are all professionals, but it is disappointing and painful because after this, we have to wait for more years to try again. To qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations again and try to prove something."

He continued: "I must offer huge congratulations to the Moroccans, and I am also proud of my team for the quality of fight we showed against a high-level team, playing in front of thousands of their fans. We will move forward, as greater things await us."

He added: "To be honest with you, the entire team is sad and disappointed because I believe we could have won this trophy, but we keep moving forward. This match was one of the toughest we played in the Africa Cup of Nations, because when you play against this type of high-level team, you have to be alert at all times."

Osimhen concluded by saying: "I think when we played against them and reached penalties, it shows the kind of strength we also possess as a team and as individuals, but of course, I believe penalties are a game of luck, and football has its ups and downs, so we keep moving forward."

The Nigerian national team is scheduled to face their Egyptian counterparts tomorrow, Saturday, starting at 5:00 PM (17:00 GMT +1), in the third-place playoff match at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.