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Victor Osimhen Nigeria. Photo by Thor Wegner DeFodi Images\/IMAGO<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Victor Osimhen<\/a> has named midfielder Raphael Onyedika as Nigeria\u2019s most underrated player at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations<\/a> in Morocco, Soccernet.ng reports<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The Galatasaray<\/a> striker has praised Onyedika for performances he believes have gone unnoticed despite their importance to the Super Eagles\u2019 progress.<\/p>\n Nigeria sealed qualification for the Round of 16 with a commanding 3-1 victory over Uganda<\/a> at the Fes Stadium on Tuesday night, a match in which Onyedika delivered a standout display by scoring twice in the second half.<\/p>\n Paul Onuachu had given Eric Chelle<\/a>\u2019s side the lead before the break, but it was Onyedika who took control after the interval, converting two goals from assists supplied by Samuel Chukwueze<\/a> to put the contest beyond Uganda.<\/p>\n Speaking after the match, Osimhen was keen to shift attention away from himself, insisting that Onyedika\u2019s contribution deserved greater recognition.<\/p>\n \u201cOnyedika has been one of our best players and most of the time, he doesn\u2019t get the hype he deserves,\u201d said Osimhen as per Flashscore<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cHe is really a talented player. For the kind of performance he put in against Uganda, I think he deserves to be in the spotlight.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not about me, its not about the Super Eagles, its all about him because he has done so well and he deserves to be in the spotlight.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Get Our Sports News First \u2013 Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Victor Osimhen also reflected on wearing the captain\u2019s armband for the first time for the Super Eagles, having been handed the responsibility in place of Wilfred Ndidi<\/a>, who was rested ahead of the knockout phase.<\/p>\n Osimhen was one of only three players retained in the starting lineup and admitted the experience of leading the national team was deeply meaningful.<\/p>\n \u201cIt feels so good. For me, it is beautiful to try to lead the team,\u201d he told reporters at the mixed zone.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cI think I have gained some level of experience to be able to lead the team, and the coach also confides in him, as well as the players.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n He added that the armband enhanced communication and authority on the pitch.<\/p>\n \u201cSo they listen to me just like I listen to them also. So for me, I think it gives me great pleasure and privilege because during the time I led the boys out they won the game, then we were also through to the Round of 16.<\/p>\n \u201cThe captaincy gave me some sense of belonging to be able to meet the referee, communicate with the referee when my teammate is down,\u201d Osimhen explained.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Looking ahead to the knockout phase, the 27-year-old made it clear Nigeria have no fear of any opponent.<\/p>\n \u201cI don’t care, anybody can come,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/imago1070745012-750x520.jpg\")
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Soccer Victor Osimhen: Captaincy pride, collective strength and Nigeria\u2019s title ambition<\/h2>\n
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