Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen has revealed that his goal in Nigeria’s 3-0 win over Benin Republic in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier was the result of rehearsed training drills.

Osimhen came off the bench to score a brilliant half-volley just six minutes after his introduction, helping Nigeria secure a comfortable win in their qualifying opener on Saturday.

In an interview with Counter Attack Podcast, Osimhen disclosed that he, alongside teammates Wilfred Ndidi, Semi Ajayi, Ola Aina, and Taiwo Awoniyi, had practiced the move during their final training session before the match.

“We practiced it more than ten times, working on delivering crosses into the box,” Osimhen explained. “As a striker, you have to be present in those moments, and when Ndidi crossed the ball, I was ready.”

The 25-year-old striker also shared how he communicated with Semi Ajayi in their native Yoruba language just moments before striking the ball.

“I told him ‘filẹ, filẹ,’ which means ‘leave it,’ and he understood,” Osimhen added.

Osimhen’s goal was one of three that sealed the win for Nigeria, starting their their AFCON qualifying campaign with a win.