Victor Osimhen heads into the AFCON 2025 knockout stage in strong form, with the kind of playing style that could expose Mozambique’s defensive gaps, Footynaija.com reports.
The goals may not have flowed as expected in the group stage, but the numbers, the matchups, and the defensive profile of the Mambas all point in one direction.
The Galatasaray forward has played all three group matches for the Super Eagles and scored once, opening the scoring in Nigeria’s 3–2 win over Tunisia. He was directly involved in 19 shooting actions in the group stage, combining his own attempts with chances created for teammates.
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The 27-year-old is known for constantly attacking the channels, dragging centre backs out of position, and bursting into the box with pace. He doesn’t just wait for service, he creates it by forcing defenders into uncomfortable decisions.
Nigeria’s eight goals in the group stage came from that kind of pressure, with runners like Ademola Lookman benefiting from the space Osimhen opens.
Mozambique’s defensive numbers suggest that approach could now deliver goals. The Mambas conceded in all three group matches and failed to keep a clean sheet. They allowed sustained pressure against Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and Gabon, conceding multiple clear chances in each game. Even in their historic 3–2 win over Gabon, Mozambique still faced 16 shots on goal (10 on target), spending long spells defending their penalty area.
That is the type of environment Osimhen thrives in. Mozambique tend to drop deep when pressed, leaving space between midfield and defence. Osimhen attacks that space relentlessly, timing runs across defenders who are already retreating.
Physically, the matchup plays to Osimhen’s strengths. Mozambique are more about structure than winning one-on-one battles, and that gives him an edge. He thrives on attacking crosses, holding off defenders, and staying sharp in the box.
So far at AFCON 2025, Osimhen has done the hard work. Against Mozambique, the openings should be there, the chances should fall his way, and this feels like the game where all that influence will show up on the scoresheet.
