Amunike is responsible for my confidence on pitch, says Osimhen

Victor Osimhen, Super Eagles striker, says Emmanuel Amunike, former Golden Eaglets coach, is responsible for his level of confidence on the pitch of play.

In an interview with TheCable, Osimhen also attributed his ability to deal with pressure from teeming fans to Amunike.

The 21-year-old African most expensive player — known for his composure and finishing on the field of play — said playing under the former Barcelona winger shaped his mindset.

“Amunike has set my mind in this direction and I was happy to have played under him. And to be able to handle this pressure,” Osimhen told TheCable.

“The confidence I have comes from him [Amunike] and I will say kudos to him for everything he has prepared my mind towards. And everything is coming to reality right now.

“The most important thing is for you to be humble while knowing what you want to do. And of course, there will be a lot of criticisms.

“And regardless of the criticisms or pressure, I am always calm in my head because I believe in myself so much and I believe in the quality i possess. Which is important and my hard work also which made me to prove those that doubted me wrong.”

Osimhen has played in all Napoli’s Serie A matches this season except for last Sunday’s game against AC Milan due to injury.

Despite finding the net a number of times during warm-up games, the Super Eagles forward has only managed two goals in eight appearances across all competitions since his arrival at Stadio San Paolo.

“For me the pressure is high and what Napoli expects from me is also really high. But regardless of this pressure, I am calm in the head,” he added.

“And I have got the support from Dries Mertens, Kalidou Koulibaly and the rest of the team. Because they understand the situation and they guide me in the right direction.

“The fans expect a lot from me before every game and I am giving my best. Even if I don’t get the goal, I try to give assists and still cover in the defence. For me I think the pressure will be there and will keep coming.

“And the criticisms also and I am prepared from these adventures and I am prepared for it all.”

Osimhen suffered the shoulder injury during Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Sierra Leone in Benin city — which ended in a 4-4 draw.