Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has apologized to Nigerians for the team’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup while declaring his readiness to lead Nigeria to glory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Speaking ahead of Nigeria’s Group C opener against Tanzania in Fès on Tuesday, Osimhen said the team is determined to make amends. “The expectations are very high. This AFCON is an opportunity for us to try and right our wrongs,” he told Pooja Media. “Make the Super Eagles fans all over the world believe that there is so much more we can give. We are so sorry. We have to use this opportunity to say we are so sorry for not getting the World Cup ticket. We know the disappointment in the faces of Nigerian fans, it has happened, and we have to keep going.”
Nigeria missed out on the 2026 World Cup after losing to DR Congo in the playoff final, a result that left fans disappointed.
Turning focus to AFCON 2025, Osimhen emphasized the need for a strong start against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars, who will be making their fourth appearance in the tournament but have never progressed beyond the group stage. “It’s all about going to war. Tuesday is the first one, and we will give everything. We are not underrating anyone in our group, but I think we’re up there with so many favourites in this tournament,” he told Nigerian journalist Kelechi Anyikude.
The Super Eagles, runners-up at the last AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, are favourites in their group, and Osimhen stressed that the squad is committed to achieving the dream of winning the title. He also expressed his personal aim to improve on his performance from the previous tournament, where he scored once and provided one assist in seven games.
Kick-off for the highly anticipated encounter is set for 6:30 pm Nigerian time.