Nigeria’s Penalty Drama: Troost-Ekong Sheds Light On Decision To Take The Spot Kick

During the game, Victor Osimhen who is the designated penalty taker of the team was fouled in the Ivorians’ penalty box and the referee awarded a penalty to Nigeria after a VAR intervention.

To the surprise of many, Troost-Ekong who converted a spot-kick against Ghana during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers stepped up and converted the spot-kick in place of Osimhen.

In an interview with the BBC, Troost-Ekong, 30, who currently plays as a center-back for Super League Greece club PAOK, said it was Osimhen who permitted him to take the kick.

“Victor is our first choice he said he wanted me to take it,” Troost-Ekong, said. “Of course, I couldn’t say no.

“We practice penalties and I took one against Ghana. Maybe it was the moment of the game [but] I was feeling good.

“I would also have been happy for him to take it but I’m sure he’s going to score many more goals for us.”

In his response, Victor Osimhen who has scored just a goal in his two appearances in the 2023 AFCON said it doesn’t matter who scores as far as the team wins.

“For me, I don’t mind. I can take it and if I score or I miss, it is part of the game,” the Napoli striker said.