Victor Osimhen claims Nigeria is targeting AFCON triumph

Nigerian senior men’s national team striker Victor Osimhen says the Super Eagles want to use the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to bounce back from their disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier playoff exit in November.

Osimhen made this known while speaking during an interview with Sporty TV correspondent Kelechi Anyikude after the three-time African champions concluded their training in Morocco on Sunday.

 

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The Galatasaray striker praised the technical crew, stating that AFCON is a chance for the team to prove they still have what it takes to be at the pinnacle of African football.

“The coach, has been doing an amazing job since the camp opened. The squad, we’ve been having high spirits in the training, the training has been really intense.

For us, last month was really disappointing. It’s not how we thought it could be. But I think life has happened. And I think, of course, we’ve moved on, but the memories still linger.

‘I’ am positive about this squad’

So we want to use this opportunity to send a clear message out there that we still have it in us.

And for me, I believe so much in this squad. I believe so much in the coach and the coaching staff and everyone that is associated with this team.”

He further added that the team is not underrating any of their opponents and will give their all in their opening match on Tuesday.

“For us, it’s all about now we’re going to war. So on Tuesday is the first one and we will give everything. We are not underrating anyone in our group, but we’re up there with so many favourites in this tournament.

So we’re going to give our all to make sure we actualise this dream of trying to win the AFCON. But it’s not going to be easy.

We still got a long way to go. I’m positive about this squad.”

The 26 year old who went out injured in Nigeria’s match against DR Congo in the final of the world cup qualifiers playoffs also provided an update on his fitness.

“I’m OK. I just came back from an hamstring injury. But, you know, a big shout out to my club, GALA.

They’ve been so helpful and supportive in terms of how they manage me. They did everything they could to make sure that I had some games there. And then I come to the national team.

And to be honest, I have to say a very big thank you to them because they’re also like one of Super Eagles’ biggest fans now. ”

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