Nigeria poised for ‘dream’ Afcon success, declares Osimhen

Super Eagles striker looks towards the 2025 tournament

Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian forward, emphasizes that the forthcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) offers his team a golden chance to achieve their aspiration of lifting the continent’s premier football accolade.

Osimhen participated in the Super Eagles squad that faced defeat against the Ivory Coast in the 2023 final. Compounding Nigeria’s challenges, they experienced another disappointment this year, bowing out to DR Congo in the World Cup 2026 playoff final, a loss that leaves them absent from the global stage for a second consecutive time.

Despite these setbacks, the 26-year-old insists the team must let go of past disappointments and concentrate on seizing the opportunities at the Afcon.

“I believe penalties depend on luck,” Osimhen stated in an interview with BBC Sport Africa. “Life moves on, and we have to push forward.”

The Galatasaray striker reassures fans that the squad is already preparing diligently to advance further, with an eye on returning to the final in Morocco and clinching their fourth Afcon title. “I want to express my gratitude to the Super Eagles supporters globally who have stood by us through both challenges and victories,” he remarked. “The Afcon is our chance to win back their support and fulfill our dream of capturing the trophy.”

Nigeria will commence their Group C match against Tanzania in Fes on Tuesday (17:30 GMT), followed by matches against Tunisia on Saturday and Uganda on December 30.

‘A strong bond’ among players

Osimhen has emerged as a pivotal player for Nigeria over recent years, although the team has often struggled with scoring in his absence. He expresses deep appreciation for the backing of his compatriots who have confidence in his dedication to the national team.

With promising attackers like Akor Adams, Paul Onuachu, and Cyriel Dessers also in the squad, Osimhen underscores that any chosen player has the potential to make a significant impact. “I give my all on the pitch. Our squad is filled with talent,” he acknowledged.

“I am part of a team where everyone is capable of stepping up. That depth is one of our strengths,” he stated.

Osimhen’s importance was underscored during the 2026 World Cup qualification, where Nigeria failed to win in the five matches he missed, highlighting his impact on the team’s outcomes. Head coach Eric Chelle will be counting on his star striker to stay healthy as Nigeria aims for their first Afcon title since 2013. “I strive to give my all because that’s what people know me for. I run, score, and fight for my teammates,” Osimhen explained. He also emphasized the mutual respect within the team, noting, “I thank my teammates who allow me the chance to score for them. We listen to each other and that builds our connection.”

Ekong hailed as an ‘incredible leader’

In another development, Nigeria defender Calvin Bassey expressed his sadness over the international retirement of William Troost-Ekong ahead of the finals. The ex-Super Eagles captain, named Most Valuable Player at the 2023 Afcon finals, had established a strong central defense partnership with Bassey during their campaign in Ivory Coast.

“He was a remarkable player, an incredible leader, and a good friend,” Bassey reflected in an interview with BBC Sport Africa. “People come and go, so it’s all about creating a cohesive group that can achieve great things together.”

Despite the loss, Bassey feels optimistic about the squad’s future under the leadership of Wilfred Ndidi, whom he describes as an “amazing” captain capable of steering the team forward.

As the 25-year-old prepares for a vital role in Nigeria’s title chase, he is confident that the relationships he shares with clubmates Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze will translate positively onto the international stage. “Alex and I have played alongside each other for years, which fosters a great understanding of our strengths,” he said. “Having Chukwueze as part of our lineup should also help us build that chemistry for the national team.”