Sports

‘I Was Hurting’: Osimhen Opens Up on Snubbing Boniface, Teammates After Zimbabwe Draw

Published

4 days ago

Mar 31, 2025.

Frustration, Not Disrespect: Osimhen clarified that his decision to walk away after the Zimbabwe match was due to frustration, not disrespect toward Victor Boniface or his teammates.
Missed Opportunity: He expressed disappointment that Nigeria failed to secure a win despite leading for most of the game, emphasizing the need for improvement.
World Cup Qualification at Stake: Osimhen urged the team to learn from their mistakes and work harder to qualify, stating that Nigeria deserves better performances.

Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, has opened up about his frustration after Nigeria’s disappointing draw against Zimbabwe.

The Napoli forward left the pitch immediately after the match, which some mistook as a sign of disrespect toward his teammate, Victor Boniface.

However, Osimhen has now explained that his reaction was purely emotional, driven by disappointment rather than any personal issues with Boniface.

Speaking to WhistlerNG, Osimhen said:

“Boniface tried to calm me down, but at that moment, I didn’t want to hear anything. I walked away, not because I disrespected him or anyone, but because I was deeply frustrated.

I always give my all whenever I step onto the pitch, not just for myself but for my team, my country, and the fans who believe in us.”

The forward emphasized how much the result meant to him and his teammates, especially with World Cup qualification at stake.

“We needed that win. We needed those points. It’s not just about individual performances; it’s about our collective effort as a team.

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Now, we have to work even harder to qualify for the World Cup. It’s not over yet, but we can’t keep making the same mistakes. We need to be better because Nigeria deserves nothing less.”

Osimhen also reflected on how the match unfolded, expressing his disappointment at how Nigeria allowed Zimbabwe to snatch a late equalizer.

“I can’t lie, I was really frustrated. That match against Zimbabwe was ours to win. We had the lead, we controlled the game, and then we let it slip in the final moments.

“When I scored, I felt relieved. I thought, ‘Yes, this is it, we’re taking the three points home.’ But football can be cruel sometimes. That last-minute equalizer hit us hard. Just seconds away from victory, and everything was taken away. When the final whistle blew, I couldn’t control my emotions.”

The Super Eagles have faced heavy criticism for their recent performances, with fans demanding better results. Osimhen’s passionate response shows his commitment to the team and his desire to see Nigeria succeed at the highest level.

As the race for World Cup qualification continues, all eyes will be on the Super Eagles to see how they bounce back from this setback.

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