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Victor Osimhen says the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations offers Nigeria a chance to rebuild trust with supporters and correct past disappointments following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Footynaija.com reports.
Nigeria endured a difficult year, missing out on World Cup qualification through both the regular campaign and the African playoffs, after losing to DR Congo in the playoff final in Morocco. Now regrouped for AFCON 2025, the Super Eagles will begin their Group C campaign against Tanzania on Tuesday at the Fez Stadium.
Speaking after training in Fez, Osimhen said the players understand the frustration felt by fans.
“We really understand their frustration. We gave everything to qualify for the World Cup, but penalties are sometimes about luck – sometimes you win, sometimes you don’t,” he told CaliSports.
“Now we have the opportunity to win back the hearts of our fans… This AFCON is a chance to rewrite our wrongs, and we are ready to give our all.”
Nigeria have been ranked behind Morocco, Egypt, Algeria and Senegal among the favourites, but Osimhen insists the team is focused on its own task.
“We’re going to war, and Tuesday is the first one. We will give everything, and we’re not underrating anyone,” the Galatasaray striker told SportyTV.
The striker, who has 31 goals in 46 international appearances, admitted winning a fourth AFCON title will not be easy.
“I believe so much in this squad… I am positive about this squad.”
Osimhen also confirmed he has recovered from a hamstring injury, thanking Galatasaray for supporting his return to fitness.
Nigeria face Tanzania on Tuesday with kickoff slated for 6:30 pm Nigerian time
