AFCON 2025: Defenders are scared of Osimhen - Super Eagles star

Nigerian midfielder Frank Onyeka believes star striker Victor Osimhen strikes fear into opposition defenders, giving the Super Eagles a crucial psychological advantage as they prepare for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Nigeria head into the tournament determined to go one step further after finishing runners-up to hosts Ivory Coast at the 2023 AFCON final. Both Onyeka and Osimhen featured in that defeat and are now focused on redemption when the tournament kicks off in Morocco.

“He’s such an amazing player,” Onyeka told BBC Sport Africa.

He added, “For me, I think the defenders are scared of him. Victor is on another level.”

Although Osimhen scored just once at the last AFCON, the Galatasaray striker has been prolific in Nigerian colours overall, scoring 31 goals in 45 international appearances.

That record places the 26-year-old second on Nigeria’s all-time scorers list, behind only the legendary Rashidi Yekini.

Onyeka believes Osimhen’s influence goes far beyond goals, pointing to Nigeria’s struggles during their failed 2026 World Cup qualification campaign when the striker was unavailable.

“Missing Victor going into the second half changed a bit,” Onyeka said, referring to Nigeria’s play-off loss against DR Congo.

He added, “Even one of the players from Congo said the same. When Victor left, it gave the defenders a bit of rest and then they could relax a bit.”

The Super Eagles managed just four points from a possible 15 in World Cup qualifiers played without Osimhen.