AFCON 2025: What Osimhen wants in Morocco - Super Eagles star reveals mission

The 35th Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON 2025 could become the tournament that defines Victor Osimhen's legacy with Nigeria. 

He's conquered club football across Europe, but leading the Super Eagles to AFCON glory would cement his place among the nation's all-time greats.

Speaking exclusively to Pulse Sports Nigeria in Fez ahead of Tuesday evening's opener against Tanzania, Osimhen was asked the question on every Nigerian's mind. 

This will be his third AFCON tournament. Bronze medal in 2019, silver in 2023. Could this finally be the one where he upgrades to gold?

After a deep sigh, the Galatasaray striker, who also believes the Super Eagles are not under pressure in Morocco, responded with a mix of hope and realism.

"Of course, I will wish myself all the best. I have to wish my team all the best, and I would say we got the squad to actualise this dream," Osimhen began.

"It's not going to be easy. There are so many footballing nations that have this quality to do damage to any opponent, but we are one of the most feared teams in this tournament. But we are not underrating any teams because we are going to give our everything, fight on the pitch and make sure every win we get here to get to the final, we earn it."

Then came the part that shows just how locked in he is.

"For me, it is important to stay focused on our games, to know why we are here, what we are doing and what we are after."

For all his brilliance at club level, including becoming the first African to win the Serie A Golden Boot, Osimhen hasn't yet dominated at a major international tournament. That's the gap in his resume. That's what keeps him up at night.

The pain of last month's World Cup playoff defeat to DR Congo still lingers. Nigeria will miss their second consecutive World Cup, and Osimhen knows the fans are hurting.

At 26, Osimhen is in his prime. Nigeria hasn't won AFCON since 2013. They lost the final last year to Ivory Coast. Now they're back in Morocco with the same core and a new coach in Eric Chelle.

Osimhen arrives in red-hot form, scoring nine goals in 12 games for Galatasaray this season. His focus is laser-sharp, and Nigerian fans are banking on that clarity translating into the performances that matter.

Bronze. Silver. Now it's time for gold.

The opener against Tanzania kicks off Tuesday at 6:30pm Nigerian time. For Osimhen, it's the first step on what he hopes will be a journey that ends with the AFCON trophy.