AFCON 2023: Italian pundit chides Osimhen, Chukwueze ahead of Ivory Coast clash 

By Wale Mustapha

Veteran Italian football pundit, Gabrielle Marcotti claimed the duo of Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze were responsible for the country’s African Cup of Nations opening day draw against Equatorial Guinea for their terrible misses.

The Super Eagles failed to make their chances count against the Nzalang Nationale on Sunday with Osimhen and Chukwueze the major culprits for the disappointing draw.

Marcotti aimed a dig at the two Italian based players, stressing they could have scored three goals each against the Thunders just as he advised them to get their acts right against the Elephants on Thursday.

“I thought Nigeria had a bunch of chances [against Equatorial Guinea]. Osimhen could have had a hat-trick, and Chukwueze as well when he came on,” the Italian pundit reacts.

“I’m not so concerned about this; it would have been nice to beat them since people have a lot of doubts about Nigeria, but I can live with this; just turn it on in the next game.”

Both Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea are one point apiece behind leaders Ivory Coast who have three points.