Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has reiterated Nigeria’s determination to go one step further at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, as the team seeks to correct recent disappointments on the continental and global stages.

The Super Eagles came agonisingly close to lifting a fourth Afcon title at the last edition in Ivory Coast in 2023, losing 2-1 to hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the final.

Speaking ahead of the current tournament, Osimhen acknowledged the pain of that defeat while stressing the squad’s renewed focus.

Addressing supporters, the Galatasaray striker expressed appreciation for the backing the team continues to receive.

“First of all, I want to say a very big thank you to Super Eagles fans all over the world for their support. Means a lot to us despite our shortcomings. I really want to say thank you so much for their support so far,” he told Ademola Victor TV.

Osimhen explained that the current Afcon represents a chance for the team to prove its quality on the biggest stage in African football.

“And this Afcon is it’s like we are trying to prove a point by going all the way to try to win it which is not going to be easy but I think with your support and the kind of group of talented players we have in the squad. I think we have chances to get to the final and try to win it,” he said.

He also highlighted the preparation within the camp and confidence in the technical crew.

“But just like I said the road is still on and we have a lot of things to put in places. So I think the boys are ready. The coach has been doing a fantastic job with the staff and I think we are we are ready to go come Tuesday.”

Reflecting on what winning the Afcon would mean, Osimhen pointed to the lessons learned from past setbacks.

“It’s going to means a lot to me not just for me but for the whole for everyone everyone of us here. I think we’ve seen it. We’ve been there. We’ve been so close but yet far and this one also is a very big opportunity for us to try to rectify the mistakes we’ve made in the last Afcon or should I say in the last games,” he said, adding that the entire squad is committed to giving everything.

The forward also referenced Nigeria’s penalty shootout loss to DR Congo in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African Playoffs in Morocco, which ended the team’s hopes of qualifying for the tournament in North America after missing out on Qatar 2022.

Osimhen reserved special praise for supporters at his club side, Galatasaray.

“They’ve been one of my support system they’ve been amazing since I arrive at the club and even when I’m playing for Nigeria when I’m there they support me all through,” he said.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda, and will open their campaign against Tanzania on Tuesday as they chase a fourth Afcon title.

Wale Adejumo