AFCON: Nigeria striker Osimhen proud of squad despite exit

Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen has praised the quality of the Super Eagles bowing out of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the semifinals stage in Morocco.

The Super Eagles’ journey in the 2025 edition came to an end after goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged the hero as hosts Morocco booked their place in the final for the first time in 22 years, edging Nigeria 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 semi-final in Rabat on Wednesday.

After 90 minutes and extra time failed to separate the sides, the contest was settled from the penalty spot, where Bounou rose to the occasion in front of a packed Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah.

The Morocco goalkeeper underlined his status as one of the continent’s finest, producing decisive saves to deny Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi and propel the Atlas Lions one step closer to glory.

Nigeria one of the best footballing nations in Africa

“I have to say I’m extremely proud of this squad – the previous one and also this one – because it shows that we are one of the best footballing nations in Africa,” said Osimhen as quoted by SABC Sports.

“It’s disappointing not to get to the final – we wanted it really bad because we’ve been working so hard from the disappointment of not reaching the World Cup, and now this.

“I think, of course, we just have to keep it moving and I think there is more and greater things to come from this squad.”

Osimhen further praises Morocco by saying: “They are also good tactically, and I think nothing clicked for them either – they got their moments too, just like we had our moments, but their defence and ours were always alert,” he defended.

“Their strikers didn’t get any ball or didn’t play that much, and we also struggled to pass through them, but when you play with this kind of team, you expect it to be very tough.

“So, for me, I think it’s not about the forwards being up there [getting the job done] but for us to get to the penalties, that’s why I say, football happens and it’s a game of luck, so we just have to keep it moving.”

Nigeria will face Egypt for a third-place play-off at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, while Morocco will face Senegal in the final at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday.