Former Nigeria international Emmanuel Amuneke has placed the responsibility of ending a 12-year Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title drought on Victor Osimhen, urging the striker to lead the Super Eagles through action rather than words.
Amuneke, one of Nigeria’s most decorated former players and a member of the 1994 AFCON-winning squad, spoke about Osimhen’s role ahead of Nigeria’s Group C clash with Tunisia.
“One thing I can always tell you is that when I look back at Osimhen, the same character he is demonstrating as a leader, is what he has done over the years,” Amuneke said.
“And I am glad and I would like to see him winning the AFCON. I would love to see Osimhen winning the AFCON with his group.
They can be good players but if at the end of the day you never achieved something, people can always say, it is a good team but they never achieved anything. I would love them to win the AFCON but they have to win it by fighting and earning it, not by talking.”
Nigeria vs Tanzania, African Cup of Nations 2025 Fes, Morocco. 23rd Dec, 2025. Victor Osimhen Nigeria vs Tanzania, African Cup of Nations 2025. Credit: Victor Modo
Osimhen, who has established himself as one of Nigeria’s leading talents since his breakout as a teenager, helped Napoli to a historic Serie A title in 2023 and won a domestic double with Galatasaray earlier this year. Yet, an AFCON crown with the senior national team remains absent from his résumé.
Nigeria started their AFCON 2025 campaign with a 2-1 victory over Tanzania and currently sit second in Group C with three points, behind Tunisia on goal difference following their 3-1 win over Uganda.
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Saturday’s clash at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, with kick-off at 9:00 PM local time, could decide the group winner. Nigeria’s squad trained intensively on Friday evening at the Centre de formation MAS de Fès, with all 28 players participating and no injury concerns reported.
Photo Credit: Justina Aniefiok
Amuneke’s message is clear: Osimhen and the Super Eagles must let their performances speak on the pitch.
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“They can be good players but if at the end of the day you never achieved something… I would love them to win the AFCON but they have to win it by fighting and earning it, not by talking.”
