Soccer
Victor Osimhen for Nigeria (Photo credit: Imago)
Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen has declared that the Super Eagles will give everything to clinch the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Eagles finished as runners-up in the last edition of the tournament. However, since that silver-medal finish, the team’s performances and results have struggled to inspire confidence among fans.
Just last month in Morocco, Nigeria suffered a disappointing defeat to DR Congo in the final of the 2026 CAF World Cup playoffs.
This setback was particularly painful as the team had even been handed the playoffs lifeline after finishing second behind South Africa in their qualifying group.
As a result, expectations heading into AFCON 2025 remain average. According to Soccernet.ng’s latest power rankings, the Super Eagles are currently listed as fifth favorites to claim the continental crown.
Despite the skepticism, talismanic forward Victor Osimhen remains optimistic. Speaking ahead of Nigeria’s opening fixture, he emphasized a renewed sense of belief and hunger within the squad, and expressed their determination to go all the way and lift the trophy on Moroccan soil.
“For us, last month (the loss to DR Congo) was really disappointing. It wasn’t how we thought it would be, but life has happened, and we’ve moved on. But the memory still lingers,” Osimhen told Kelechi Anyikude.
“We want to use this opportunity to send a clear message out there that we still have it in us. I believe so much in this squad. I believe so much in the coach, in the coaching staff and everyone that is associated with this team.
“It’s all about going to war. Tuesday is the first one, and we will give everything. We are not underrating anyone in our group, but I think we’re up there with so many favourites in this tournament.
“So we’re going to give our all to make sure that we actualise the dream of trying to win the AFCON. It’s not gonna be easy, we still got a long way to go so I am positive about this squad.”
Soccer When is The Super Eagles’ First Match of AFCON 2025?
Nigeria will play ther first game of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday, December 22. They will lock horns with the Taifa Stars of Tanzania at the Complexe Sportif De Fes.
Three-time African champions, Nigeria are the favourites to win the fixture. But they tend to struggle, even against teams that they are head and shoulder above on paper.
Osimhen will be the one to lead the line for the Super Eagles, and he will be looking to wreak havoc.
Kelvin Omachonu
Kelvin Omachonu is a professional football columnist and sports writer with over half a decade of experience covering major events and delivering captivating, analytically-driven stories.
A graduate of the University of Ibadan, he is fueled by a profound dedication to sports journalism and the beautiful game. His insights have previously been featured in respected outlets, including IndyPress UI, UCJ UI Newshive NG, and Sportspremi.
Away from work, Kelvin is an avid fan of basketball, enjoys a great movie, and is always discovering new music.
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