Ikpeba, speaking on Nigerias’ failure to reach Qatar criticised Osimhen for opting for an elaborate bicycle kick rather than a simpler option
By Kehinde Okeowo
Serie A striker, Victor Osimhen, has replied to former Monaco striker and Super Sports pundit, Victor Ikpeba, who criticised him for attempting an elaborate bicycle kick rather than a simpler option during Nigerias’ second leg playoff against Ghana.
The Black Stars went on to secure the ticket for the FIFA 2022 World Cup on away goal rule after securing an aggregate 1-1 scoreline over the two legs in Kumasi and Abuja.
Osimhen during the encounter at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja attempted the bicycle kick twice but failed to convert the efforts.
ALSO READ: Benzema’s hat-trick earns Madrid 3-1 win at Stamford Bridge
Ikpeba, while analysing the match on Super Sports Monday night football, criticised the Napoli striker, saying he should have opted for a simpler option than the bicycle kicks.
He said, “Victor Osimhen is a good player but is not yet a finished article, forget he’s playing for Napoli. Some of those crosses he might have controlled instead of trying to do a bicycle kick.
“He’s still a young player but I hope that he can improve where he is in Napoli and help the national team in the future. He needs to understand when to play the ball and when to play bicycle kicks.”
Super Falcons striker, Asisat Oshoala later reiterated Ikpeba’s position on Osimhen’s Instagram page, asking the 23-year-old striker to listen to an experienced ex-Nigerian international, Ikpeba.
“Werey dem say make u no dey do bicycle kick,” Oshoala jokingly said.
Reacting to her post, Osimhen was defiant, insisting Ikpeba cannot tell him how to play and that he will do it over and over again.
“I go continue dey do am, no be that pundit go tell me wetin to do.“ Osimhen replied.
