Super Eagles stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman have pledged to transform Nigeria’s painful failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup into success at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Speaking ahead of Nigeria’s AFCON opener, Osimhen apologised to Nigerians for the World Cup disappointment following the team’s play-off defeat to DR Congo, promising that the players are determined to make amends on the continental stage.
“AFCON is our chance to try to correct our mistakes and restore belief among Super Eagles fans all over the world,” the Galatasaray striker said. “We are truly sorry for not securing the World Cup ticket. I saw the disappointment on the faces of Nigerians, and it hurts. But this tournament gives us a new opportunity to do something special and to fight for the title.”
Osimhen, widely regarded as one of Africa’s finest forwards, said the team is fully committed to giving everything in Morocco, starting with Tuesday’s opening match against Tanzania.
“It’s about going to war from the first game,” he added. “We respect every team in our group, but we also believe we are among the favourites. We will give everything from the first whistle.”
Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman echoed Osimhen’s determination, saying the squad must turn the pain of missing out on the World Cup into motivation for success at AFCON.
“The disappointment is real, not just for us as players but for the entire nation,” Lookman told Elegbete TV Sports. “Our job now is to channel that pain into something positive and powerful that can drive us forward.”
Lookman added that unity within the squad would be crucial, especially after Nigeria narrowly missed out on the title at the last AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire.
“We came very close in Abidjan and didn’t get the trophy. This time, maintaining our togetherness and team spirit is extremely important. I’m fully focused on helping the team perform in Morocco and, hopefully, bringing glory back home.”
Nigeria will face Tanzania at the Complexe Sportif de Fès on Tuesday, with the Super Eagles seeking all three points in their opening fixture. The last time both teams met at the Africa Cup of Nations was in 1980, when Nigeria secured a 3–1 victory on their way to winning their first continental title.
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