Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has publicly stated that the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations tournament represents a critical opportunity for the national team to apologise to Nigerians. This follows the deep disappointment of failing to secure a ticket for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A Nation Owes an Apology
In a recent interview, Osimhen did not shy away from the collective feeling of letdown. He admitted that the Super Eagles owe Nigerians an apology for the World Cup qualification failure. The Napoli forward revealed that the pain of missing out on the global tournament remains fresh within the squad, and the players are acutely aware of the disappointment felt by fans both at home and across the diaspora.
"We want to use this opportunity to say we are sorry for not getting the World Cup ticket," Osimhen said. He acknowledged the visible letdown on the faces of supporters, adding, "Life has happened, so we have to keep it moving, and this AFCON is an opportunity for us to do well."
High Stakes and National Pride
The failure to reach the 2026 World Cup has placed the Nigerian national team and the Nigeria Football Federation under intense scrutiny. For a nation long considered a powerhouse of African football, the miss was a significant blow. Osimhen emphasised that the sense of responsibility within the camp is immense, especially with expectations from fans worldwide remaining sky-high.
However, the African Footballer of the Year insisted that the team is channeling this pressure into motivation. "The expectation is really high, not just within the camp but also from Super Eagles fans all over the world," he noted. "But there is no pressure among my teammates, myself, or the coach because we know the kind of quality he possesses." Osimhen expressed confidence in the team's talent and the technical bench's guidance.
Actions Must Speak Louder Than Words
Osimhen stressed that mere apologies are insufficient. He declared that the team is fully focused on backing their words with resolute performances on the pitch. The striker outlined the challenging path ahead, recognising that success will not come easily.
"It’s not going to be easy," Osimhen stated. "We have to fight for every game and every ball. We have to try to win every game and see if we can get to the final and win it." His comments underscore a clear mission for the Super Eagles at AFCON 2025: to restore national pride and deliver the trophy as the ultimate form of redemption for the World Cup disappointment.
