Nigerian football sensation Victor Osimhen has positioned the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as a critical redemption opportunity for the Super Eagles, following consecutive international disappointments. The 26-year-old striker, now with Galatasaray, acknowledges the team’s recent setbacks but emphasizes their collective determination to claim continental glory.
The Super Eagles’ journey has been marked by recent frustrations: a heartbreaking loss to Ivory Coast in the 2023 AFCON final followed by a penalty shootout defeat against DR Congo that eliminated them from 2026 World Cup qualification. This marks the second consecutive World Cup cycle where Nigeria will be absent from the global stage.
Osimhen, who has scored an impressive 31 goals in 45 international appearances, reflects philosophically on the team’s challenges: “The penalty is a game of luck. Life has happened, we just have to keep it moving.” His perspective underscores the team’s resilience as they prepare for their Group C opener against Tanzania in Fes, with subsequent matches against Tunisia and Uganda.
The striker expressed profound gratitude to Nigerian supporters worldwide, stating: “I want to thank Super Eagles fans everywhere who have stood by us through good times and bad. AFCON represents our opportunity to win back our fans and actualize our dream of tournament victory.”
While Osimhen’s importance to the squad is undeniable—Nigeria failed to win any of the five World Cup qualifiers he missed—he emphasizes the team’s collective strength. With attacking alternatives including Akor Adams, Paul Onuachu, and Cyriel Dessers, Osimhen believes the squad possesses depth and versatility: “We have so many talented players. If some aren’t available, others can step up—that’s one of our qualities.”
Defensively, the team adjusts to the retirement of veteran leader William Troost-Ekong, the 2023 AFCON Most Valuable Player. Defender Calvin Bassey of Fulham acknowledged Ekong’s departure as a significant loss but expressed confidence in new captain Wilfred Ndidi’s leadership capabilities. Bassey highlighted the existing chemistry between himself, Alex Iwobi, and Samuel Chukwueze as potentially beneficial for Nigeria’s campaign.
Head coach Eric Chelle will rely on Osimhen’s fitness and goal-scoring prowess as Nigeria seeks their first AFCON title since 2013. Osimhen characterizes his approach simply: “I try to give everything—running, scoring, fighting for my teammates. There’s mutual respect between us all.”