Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen has sent a strong message of confidence ahead of Nigeria's crucial Africa Cup of Nations knockout match against Mozambique. The three-time champions are set to face the Mambas in the Round of 16 on Monday, with the Napoli striker asserting the team's readiness and ambition to reclaim the trophy.
Osimhen's Confident Message to AFCON Rivals
Speaking ahead of the decisive encounter, Victor Osimhen left no doubt about the Super Eagles' mindset. He positioned Nigeria as one of the tournament favourites and a team that should make opponents nervous. "We are one of the most feared teams in this tournament," Osimhen stated. "Any team can come and play us. If they are good, they can scale through, but if they are not, we can trample on any team because this team has got the quality to do damage to any big team."
The striker, who now plays for Galatasaray, emphasized that the team's confidence is sky-high following their group stage campaign. Nigeria finished second in the 2023 edition held in Cote d'Ivoire, and Osimhen believes that experience, coupled with current quality, makes them serious contenders for the title in 2025.
Respect for Opponents, But No Fear
While expressing supreme confidence, Osimhen was careful to show respect for Mozambique and all other teams that have progressed to the knockout stages. "We respect every team that progresses to the next round, and anyone we meet in the next round, they are going to see the fighting spirit of Nigeria," he said.
He acknowledged that the Round of 16 presents a tougher challenge than the group phase. "The round of 16 is going to be even tougher than the group stages, so the boys are ready to give everything. We are ready to face any opponent," Osimhen continued. "We respect any team that scales through, but we are not scared of anybody."
A Burning Desire to Bring the Trophy Home
The central motivation for Osimhen and the squad is ending Nigeria's long wait for a fourth AFCON title. The striker passionately articulated the collective goal driving the team in Morocco. "It has been a long time since this trophy came to Nigeria, and the boys, every training, we are passing a clear message that we came here to get the trophy," he revealed.
He personalizes this ambition, linking his desire to that of his teammates and the nation. "I want it as badly as every other country that came to win it. Just like the rest of my teammates, that is why we come together to try to make sure that we achieve this objective," Osimhen stated. He concluded by stressing that winning "will mean a lot, not just to me, to the whole team and Nigeria."
The stage is now set for the Super Eagles' clash with Mozambique at the Fez Stadium on Monday, where they will aim to translate Osimhen's confident words into a winning performance on the pitch.
