Victor Osimhen has made Nigeria’s intentions clear ahead of their heavyweight semifinal clash with hosts Morocco, insisting the Super Eagles are targeting nothing less than lifting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy, Bold Sports reports.
Speaking in an exclusive interview on The Daily Show on Netflix, the Super Eagles striker said the squad is proud of its progress so far but remain unsatisfied, with the ultimate goal firmly in sight.
“I’m really happy for the squad because I think we deserve to be where we are today, but as a squad we’re not satisfied. The goal is to try to win this AFCON, but it’s not gonna be easy, of course,” Osimhen said.
Nigeria head into Wednesday’s semifinal on the back of a flawless run at the tournament, having won all three group games against Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda before eliminating Mozambique and Algeria in the round of 16 and quarterfinals respectively. The five-match winning streak has underlined the Super Eagles’ growing momentum as they chase a fourth continental title.
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However, Osimhen and his teammates face their sternest challenge yet against a formidable Moroccan side enjoying the advantage of home support. The Atlas Lions are unbeaten at the tournament, collecting seven points in the group stage before eliminating Tanzania and Cameroon in the knockout rounds.
Morocco’s pedigree is further highlighted by an imposing 25-match unbeaten run, with their last defeat coming against South Africa at the 2023 AFCON. They are also unbeaten in their last 38 official home matches, a streak stretching back to 2009 when Cameroon last beat them on Moroccan soil.
Despite the daunting task, Osimhen believes Nigeria have the quality and mentality to go all the way.
“There are other great nations with us, but I think with the kind of squad and the kind of mentality we now have, with the kind of coach that is very demanding, I think I see it happening (winning AFCON),” he said.
“It’s not gonna be easy but we’re ready to give our everything to actualise this dream.”
The 27-year-old acknowledged that Morocco’s home crowd could play a role but stressed that the Super Eagles are prepared to shut out the noise and remain focused on the task at hand.
“From the start of this tournament we’ve been ready. We don’t care if we’re playing in front of 100,000. We know their fans will always be with them and try to distract us. But we are really focused on what we want to do on the pitch, and it’s 11 against 11, their fans will make it 12,” Osimhen said.
“For us we will give everything to try and get a win, which is not gonna be easy, we respect them also, and I think the feeling is mutual on their own side.”
On a personal level, Osimhen has been one of the standout performers of the tournament, scoring four goals to sit joint-second on the goalscoring chart behind Morocco’s Brahim Diaz. Beyond his goals, the Galatasaray striker has led by example, displaying relentless work rate and passion throughout Nigeria’s campaign.
“I’ve always been like this. I believe everyone is a leader and everyone has to take responsibility, not just Wilfred, not just Victor, not just the rest of the squad, but everyone. It’s a collective game,” he said.
“It’s natural for me because I’ve been like this since growing up, so I don’t think I’m going to stop anytime soon.”
Osimhen also highlighted his commitment to contributing beyond scoring, crediting the demanding standards set by the coaching staff.
“Before now, I’ve been like that. If I haven’t worn myself out, I don’t think I’ve given my best. I try to run for my teammates. If I’m not getting any goals or assists, I try to defend for them. I try to help in the midfield and defense,” he said.
“Also now, we have a coach that is very, very, very demanding. If you don’t run, he’s angry at you. So I have to run, I have to help my teammates, I have to fight for every ball.”
The highly anticipated semifinal between Nigeria and Morocco will be played at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, with kickoff scheduled for 9pm Nigerian time on Wednesday (today).
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