Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen has set his sights on lifting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), calling the tournament “an opportunity” for himself and the Super Eagles to fulfil their continental dream.
The 26-year-old, who plays for Galatasaray, was part of the Nigerian side beaten by Ivory Coast in the 2023 Afcon final and also experienced heartbreak in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, when Nigeria lost to DR Congo on penalties, ending their hopes of returning to the global stage.
Despite these setbacks, Osimhen insists the team must focus on the present, putting past disappointments behind them and aiming to reclaim continental glory.
“I think the penalty is a game of luck,” Osimhen told BBC Sport Africa. “Life has happened, we just have to keep it moving.”
Afcon 2025: Nigeria’s Path to Glory
Osimhen and the Super Eagles are determined to go one step further than in previous tournaments, targeting a first Afcon title since 2013.
“I want to say thank you to the Super Eagles fans all over the world that have stuck with us through the good times and the bad times,” he said. “The Afcon is an opportunity for us to win our fans over and make sure we actualise our dreams of winning the tournament.”
Nigeria will begin their Group C campaign against Tanzania in Fes on Tuesday (17:30 GMT), followed by matches against Tunisia on Saturday and Uganda on 30 December.
Osimhen: Leadership and Team Chemistry
The striker’s influence on the team is clear. Nigeria struggled during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers whenever Osimhen was absent, failing to win any of the five matches he missed.
“I try to give my everything. We have so many talented players in this squad,” Osimhen said. “If we don’t see some of us, the others can also play. That’s one of the qualities of this team.”
With attacking options including Akor Adams, Paul Onuachu, and Cyriel Dessers, the squad has depth, but Osimhen’s leadership and goal-scoring ability remain pivotal.
“I try to run, get goals, and fight for my teammates,” he added. “It’s a mutual respect between us.”
Filling the Void Left by William Troost-Ekong
Nigeria also faces the challenge of adjusting to the international retirement of former captain William Troost-Ekong, who earned 83 caps and was MVP at the 2023 Afcon.
Defender Calvin Bassey praised Troost-Ekong’s leadership and experience but expressed confidence in the current squad’s leadership under Wilfred Ndidi.
“He [Ekong] was an incredible player, an incredible leader, a good friend of mine,” Bassey said. “People leave and people come, so it’s just about trying to get a group together that can help.”
The chemistry between club teammates Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, and Bassey is expected to strengthen the Super Eagles as they aim for Afcon success.
“Me and Alex have played with each other for a long time. We know each other’s strengths,” Bassey explained. “Chukwueze has also been playing with him, so hopefully we can bring that chemistry into the national team.”
Looking Ahead
As Nigeria targets their fourth Africa Cup of Nations title, Osimhen and his teammates are focused, motivated, and aware of the expectations from fans across the country. The Super Eagles’ blend of experienced internationals and emerging talent could make them one of the most exciting teams of Afcon 2025.
“We are ready to fight and make our fans proud,” Osimhen concluded. “This is our dream, and we’re going to give everything to achieve it.”
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