Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has reacted to Nigeria’s group stage draw for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), acknowledging the challenges ahead but expressing confidence in the team’s ability to succeed.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has placed Nigeria in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania. This presents a competitive test for the three-time African champions as they set their sights on AFCON glory in Morocco.
TOPSHOT – Nigeria’s forward #9 Victor Osimhen (R) celebrates after scoring a goal which was later disallowed after a VAR review during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 quarter-final football match between Nigeria and Angola at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on February 2, 2024. (Photo by Issouf SANOGO / AFP) (Photo by ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP via Getty Images)
“AFCON Won’t Be Easy, But We Are Ready” – Osimhen
Speaking to BBC journalist Oluwashina Okeleji, Osimhen admitted that the tournament would be unpredictable but believes the Super Eagles have what it takes to progress.
“It’s not gonna be easy. Just like we all know, this is African football, this is AFCON. You can get a lot of surprises. But we are going to take each game as it comes.”
The Napoli-owned forward, currently playing in Turkey, also revealed that he has been in contact with newly appointed head coach Eric Chelle and is eager to work under him.
ABIDJAN, IVORY COAST – FEBRUARY 2: ADEMOLA OLAJIDE LOOKMAN (centre) of Nigeria celebrates scoring the winning goal with OGOCHUKWU FRANK ONYEKA, Victor Osimhen and MOSES DADDY SIMON during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal match between Nigeria and Angola at Stade Felix Houphouet Boigny on February 2, 2024 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
“We have a new coach [Eric Chelle]. I spoke with him a couple of times, and I know the kind of objectives he has set for the players. I am looking forward to the first training of the game [against Rwanda] so we can also feel his presence,” Osimhen added.
Super Eagles Set for a New Era Under Chelle
Nigeria’s first real test under Chelle will come in March during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. These matches will serve as an opportunity for the Malian tactician to assess his squad before leading them to AFCON 2025.
With Osimhen potentially spearheading the attack, the Super Eagles will be determined to make a strong statement in Morocco as they chase a fourth AFCON title.