Victor Osimhen is determined to lead a "talented" Super Eagles squad to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title, aiming to overcome past disappointments.
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 that was beaten by Ivory Coast in the final of the 2023 edition of the tournament.
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
While Osimhen has been a key figure for Nigeria in recent years, the Super Eagles 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'
Meanwhile, Nigeria defender Calvin Bassey admits he was saddened by the international retirement of William Troost-Ekong before the finals.
The former Super Eagles captain, who was named Most Valuable Player at the 2023 Afcon finals, had formed a formidable centre-back partnership with Bassey during the tournament in Ivory Coast.
"He (Ekong) was an incredible player, an incredible leader, a good friend of mine," Bassey told BBC Sport Africa.
"People leave and people come, so it's just about trying to get a group together that can help."
However, the Fulham man insists the squad remains in safe hands, describing Wilfred Ndidi as an "amazing" captain capable of leading the team forward.
Bassey is expected to play a key role in Nigeria's bid for the title, and the 25-year-old believes the bond between himself and club colleagues Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze will have a positive impact on the Super Eagles.
"Me and Alex have played with each other for a long time. We have a great understanding of each other [and] know each other's strengths," he said.
"Chukwueze has also been playing with him so hopefully we can bring that chemistry into the national team."
Category: General Sports
