Victor Osimhen has expressed confidence in the Super Eagles’ readiness to lift the Africa Cup of Nations title at the ongoing 2025 tournament in Morocco, as Nigeria seek to end a 13-year wait for continental success.
Nigeria last won the AFCON in 2013 under the late Stephen Keshi after defeating Burkina Faso in the final. Since that triumph, the Super Eagles have experienced a mix of setbacks and near successes, including missing out on qualification for the 2015 and 2017 tournaments.
The team came close to claiming a fourth continental crown at the last edition but fell short after losing 2–1 to hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the final of the 2023 tournament.
That defeat has reportedly strengthened the resolve of the current squad, who are determined to go all the way this time around.
Osimhen, who has played a key role in Nigeria’s attack, said the team is united and highly motivated as the competition progresses into the knockout phase.
“It will mean a lot, not just to me, to the whole team, but to Nigeria,” Osimhen said. “It has been a long time since this trophy came to Nigeria and the boys, every training, we are passing a clear message that we came here to get the trophy.”
The forward added that the desire to win is shared across the squad, with players fully focused on achieving their goal.
“I want it as bad as every other country that came to win it. Just like the rest of my teammates, that is why we come together to try to make sure that we achieve this objective.”
Nigeria are scheduled to face Mozambique in the Round of 16 in Fes on Monday, with Osimhen expected to spearhead the Super Eagles’ attack as they continue their push for a fourth AFCON title.
