Victor Osimhen has warned Nigeria’s knockout opponents that the Super Eagles are fully prepared for the challenges ahead as they continue their quest for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.
Nigeria finished the group stage with a perfect record, collecting nine points from three matches to top Group C, and will now face Mozambique in the round of 16. Osimhen featured in all three games in Morocco and captained the side in their 3–1 victory over Uganda.
Speaking ahead of the knockout fixture, the striker insisted Nigeria remain one of the teams to beat at the tournament.
“Yes, I would count my country as one of the favourites,” Osimhen said.
“We are one of the most feared teams in this tournament. Any team can come and play us. If they are good, they can scale through, but if they are not, we can trample on any team because this team has got the quality to do damage.”
Osimhen. Photo Credit: Justina Aniefiok
Despite the confident tone, Osimhen stressed that Nigeria are not underestimating any opponent and are approaching the knockout phase with focus and discipline.
“We respect every team that progresses to the next round,” he said. “Anyone we meet is going to see the fighting spirit of Nigeria. The round of 16 is going to be even tougher than the group stages, so the boys are ready to give everything.
“We are not scared of anybody, but we respect everyone.”
The 27-year-old, who turned captain for the first time at the tournament against Uganda, said the responsibility helped him approach the game with greater composure.
“It feels good,” Osimhen explained. “It comes with a huge responsibility, but I think I have gained some experience to be able to lead the team. Now I can see why Wilfred Ndidi feels so happy every time we win.
“For me, it was important to lead the boys in the right way and give them motivation, especially because it was the first start for many of them in this AFCON.”
Photo Credit: Justina Aniefiok
Head coach Eric Chelle rotated his squad heavily for the Uganda match, but Osimhen still played 87 minutes despite carrying a yellow card that put him at risk of suspension. The striker said he had no issue with the decision.
“I can’t question the coach’s tactics,” he said. “If he wants me to play, I’m there. If he puts me on the bench, I’m okay with that too. I don’t care about the yellow card. Whenever I’m called upon, I have to accept the call.”
Osimhen also emphasised that the team are determined not to be distracted by external praise following their strong start.
Photo Credit: AFP
“We don’t get carried away by the hype,” he cautioned. “We are going game by game. There is still a lot of work to do.”
READ MORE:afcon-2025-record-attendance-group-stage-stats-and-record-prize-money-as-last-16-ties-loom
Nigeria last lifted the AFCON trophy in 2013 and were beaten finalists two years ago. For Osimhen, that near miss remains a powerful motivation.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
“It will mean a lot to the whole team and to Nigeria,” he said. “It has been a long time since this trophy came to Nigeria. Every training session, we remind ourselves that we came here to get the trophy.”
