What Osimhen is doing — Opabunmi tells Super Eagles players how to win AFCON
Opabunmi, a popular figure in Nigerian football history, remains the youngest Nigerian to ever feature in a World Cup, a record he set in 2002 at just 17 years old.
Having also starred in the 2001 FIFA U17 World Cup with five goals, the former winger knows exactly what is required to succeed on the big stage.
While the Super Eagles cruised through Group C with a perfect record, Opabunmi believes the collective intensity must rise to match that of their star striker. Osimhen, who has a goal and an assist so far in Morocco, has been widely praised for his tireless work rate.
Opabunmi tells Super Eagles players to follow Osimhen to win AFCON
"They can achieve success if they are ready to play with their minds. When you watch the Nigerian national team now, the passion isn’t always there like it used to be," Opabunmi told ThePlayzone podcast.
"When Osimhen is running up and down the pitch, you can see he plays with passion, just as he does at Galatasaray. If other players imitate him and show the same dedication, we can challenge anyone in the Africa Cup of Nations and bring the trophy back home."
Despite recent concerns regarding squad harmony, Opabunmi remains optimistic that the team's historical resilience will shine through in the knockout rounds.
"Nigeria have a culture where, if you write them off, that’s often when they excel. I believe they will win in Morocco," he added.
The Super Eagles are currently preparing for their Round of 16 clash against Mozambique at the Complexe Sportif de Fès this Monday, January 5.