Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong has explained why Victor Osimhen did not take the penalty against Ivory Coast.
The Super Eagles got their opening win at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations by defeating the hosts 1-0 on Thursday evening.
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The Nigerians were awarded a penalty in the first half but the Napoli striker surprisingly did not step up, with the skipper taking responsibility.
It has now been revealed Osimhen that Osimhen wanted Troost-Ekong to take the important spot-kick.
"Victor is our first choice he said he wanted me to take it," Troost-Ekong, 30, told BBC Sport Africa.
"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."
The Super Eagles will look to secure qualification to the round of 16 when they take on Equatorial Guinea on Monday evening.
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