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Victor Osimhen Vows Relentless Pursuit of AFCON 2025 Glory for Nigeria
Leading striker Victor Osimhen has boldly affirmed that the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, is fully committed to securing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) championship in Morocco, according to reports from Soccernet.ng.
Recent Struggles and the Road Ahead
Despite finishing as runners-up in the previous AFCON tournament, the Super Eagles have faced a series of disappointing performances that have dampened fan enthusiasm. Most notably, Nigeria endured a crushing defeat to DR Congo in the 2026 CAF World Cup playoff final held in Morocco last month.
This loss was particularly stinging given that Nigeria had earned a second chance in the playoffs after finishing behind South Africa in their qualifying group. Consequently, expectations for the Super Eagles at AFCON 2025 are tempered, with Soccernet.ng’s latest power rankings placing Nigeria as the fifth most likely contender for the title.
Osimhen’s Renewed Confidence and Determination
In spite of the skepticism surrounding the team, Osimhen remains a beacon of hope and confidence. Ahead of Nigeria’s opening match, he highlighted a revitalized spirit and unwavering ambition within the squad, vowing that the team will fight fiercely to bring the trophy home.
“Last month’s loss to DR Congo was a tough pill to swallow. It wasn’t the outcome we envisioned, but we’ve accepted it and moved forward. The memory still lingers, though,” Osimhen shared with Kelechi Anyikude.
“We want to demonstrate that the fire still burns within us. I have immense faith in this team, the coach, and the entire staff supporting us.
“It’s time to go to battle. Our first match is on Tuesday, and we will leave everything on the pitch. We respect every opponent in our group, but we believe we are among the favorites to win this tournament.
“Our goal is clear: to realize the dream of lifting the AFCON trophy. The journey ahead is challenging, but I am optimistic about what this squad can achieve.”
AFCON 2025 Kickoff: When and Who?
The Super Eagles will commence their AFCON 2025 campaign on Tuesday, December 22, facing Tanzania’s Taifa Stars at the Complexe Sportif De Fes. Nigeria, a three-time AFCON champion, enters the match as the clear favorite. However, history shows that the team sometimes struggles against opponents perceived as less formidable on paper.
Osimhen is expected to spearhead Nigeria’s attack, aiming to dominate the frontline and inspire his teammates to a strong start in the tournament.
Looking Beyond the Opener
With the tournament set to feature some of Africa’s finest talents, Nigeria’s path to the title will demand consistency, resilience, and tactical discipline. The Super Eagles’ blend of experienced campaigners and emerging stars could prove decisive as they seek to reclaim continental supremacy after a period of mixed results.
As the countdown to AFCON 2025 continues, all eyes will be on Osimhen and his teammates to see if they can translate their potential into silverware on Moroccan soil.
