A Nigerian-eligible defender has pinpointed striker Victor Osimhen's physical condition as the decisive factor for the Super Eagles' chances at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Endurance Alade, who plays for Vittese, believes the team's quest for a fourth continental title hinges on the availability of the prolific Galatasaray forward.
Alade's Verdict: Osimhen Brings Winning Mentality
In an interview with FootyAfrica, the 20-year-old Dutch-born player expressed strong confidence in the Nigerian squad's overall quality but singled out Osimhen's unique impact. Alade stated that Osimhen's energy, mentality, and goal-scoring prowess could be the difference-maker in Morocco.
"The Super Eagles of Nigeria have enough quality players, and I will say it is difficult to single out one particular player," Alade said. "A player with experience and personality can really make a difference in big tournaments. A player who stays calm under pressure and leads by example can be very important for Nigeria's success."
He added, "Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen is a player who can always make a huge difference... I think with him, Nigeria has a good chance of winning."
Osimhen's Stellar Record and Recent Form
The statistics underscore why Osimhen is considered so vital. The 26-year-old is already Nigeria's second all-time top scorer with 31 international goals, trailing only the legendary Rashidi Yekini, who has 37. His importance was starkly highlighted during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where he netted six goals in just five matches.
Conversely, Nigeria's struggles in his absence were telling. The team failed to win any of their first four qualifying games without him, a sequence that led to managerial changes with Jose Peseiro's dismissal and Finidi George's resignation. Although they recovered to finish second in their group, they ultimately lost a playoff final penalty shootout to DR Congo, missing the World Cup for the second time in a row.
Osimhen Ready for AFCON Challenge
Ahead of the tournament, Victor Osimhen has sent a confident message to Nigerian supporters. In an Instagram post, the forward suggested he is prepared to shoulder the responsibility of leading the team once more on the continental stage.
"Hi to the fans, here is Osimhen. I'm happy to be in Morocco, and I can't wait for the start of AFCON. See you guys at the stadium. Ciao," he posted.
His form and status have also been recognized globally. Osimhen was recently named 46th on The Guardian's prestigious list of the top 100 footballers in the world for 2025, placing him ahead of several other impressive stars and cementing his reputation as one of Africa's most reliable forwards.
The Super Eagles, three-time AFCON champions, will be aiming to go one better than their runner-up finish at the last edition in Ivory Coast. All eyes will be on Victor Osimhen's fitness and form as they pursue glory in Morocco.
