Kelechi Nwakali, Edidiong Essien and Samuel Chukwueze scored a goal each to lift holders Nigeria to the quarterfinals where they will meet three-time champions Brazil, who defeated New Zealand 1-0 in their second round encounter, on Sunday.
Osimhen scored in the 2-0 defeat of USA in Nigeria’s first game in the tournament. He grabbed a brace in the 5-1 defeat of Chile and hits the back of the net in the 2-1 defeat to Croatia.
“Victor (Osimhen) had a great game, although the philosophy of this team is to play collectively,” FIFA.com quoted Amuneke as saying on Thursday.
“We are favourites for the title, but so are Brazil. We will work to put up a good fight.”
The former Super Eagles winger added, “We knew that Australia were a good team because they qualified from a very difficult group. But my players were able to recover from the loss against Croatia and regained their level.
“We will continue to believe in ourselves. Nigerians should continue to believe in this team. We have to work collectively to reach our objectives.”
Amuneke says his team are ready for the clash against Brazil, saying they will work hard to defend their title in Chile.
Nigeria won the title in 1985, 1993, 2007 and 2013. Brazil won in 1997, 1999 and 2003.
“We will prepare very well so as to give a good account of ourselves against Brazil,” the former Barcelona player was quoted by AfricanFootball.com, as saying.
“Brazil are a very good side, we played against them in South Korea (in the Suwon Tournament) but this is the World Cup. Brazil are favourites to win this tournament but we have a plan to beat them.”
Australia coach Tony Vidmar lamented his players failed to convert their chances in the encounter.
“We played a big part in this result,” the former Cardiff City and Middleborough defender told FIFA.com.
“In the previous matches we managed to put a high pressure on our rivals, that was key today. We had the possession, but did not do anything with it.”
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