Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen says the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) represents “an opportunity” for him and his team-mates to fulfil their “dream” of lifting the continent’s biggest football trophy.
Osimhen was part of the Super Eagles side beaten by Ivory Coast in the 2023 final.
The West Africans suffered a further setback this year when they lost to DR Congo on penalties in the final of Africa’s play-offs for the 2026 Fifa World Cup – meaning they will be missing from the global showpiece for the second time in a row.
However, the 26-year-old insists the squad must put their regrets behind them and shift their focus to the challenge ahead as they target success at Afcon.
“I think the penalty is a game of luck,” Osimhen told BBC Sport Africa.
“Life has happened, we just have to keep it moving.”
However, the Galatasaray striker insists the squad is already putting in the work to go one step further, as Nigeria set their sights on returning to the final in Morocco and winning their fourth Afcon title.
“I want to say thank you to the Super Eagles fans all over the world that have stuck with us through the good times and the bad times,” he said.
“The Afcon is an opportunity for us to win our fans over [and] make sure we actualise our dreams of winning [the tournament].”
Nigeria begin their Group C campaign against Tanzania in Fes on Tuesday (17:30 GMT) before facing Tunisia on Saturday and Uganda on 30 December.
‘Mutual respect’ between players
Nigeria lost 2-1 to Egypt in a friendly game ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations
While Osimhen has been a key figure for Nigeria in recent years, they have often struggled for goals and results in his absence.
He says he “appreciate the love and support” of Nigerians who “believe” in his ability and commitment to the national team.
With attacking options such as Akor Adams, Paul Onuachu and Cyriel Dessers also in the squad, Osimhen insists any player called upon is capable of delivering when it matters most.
“I just try to give my everything. We have so many talented players in this squad,” Osimhen admitted.
“I’m part of them. If we don’t see some of us, the others can also play. That’s one of the qualities.”
Osimhen’s importance to the Super Eagles has been clear during the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Nigeria failed to register a single victory in the five matches he missed, underlining his influence on the team’s performances and results.
Head coach Eric Chelle will be hoping his talismanic striker can remain fit and available as Nigeria aim to claim a first Afcon title since 2013.
“I’m trying to give everything because everyone knows me like this. I try to run, get goals [and] fight for my team-mates,” Osimhen explained.
“I appreciate all my team-mates for giving me this opportunity to try to get goals for them.
“They try to listen to me, and I also listen to them, it’s a mutual respect between us.”
Ekong an ‘incredible leader’
Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong earned 83 caps for Nigeria
