‘I don’t care’ - Victor Osimhen on Super Eagles next opponent at AFCON 2025

Victor Osimhen has sent a defiant message to Nigeria's potential Round of 16 opponents, declaring he has no preference over which heavyweight the Super Eagles face next.

Fresh off captaining Nigeria to a commanding 3-1 victory over Uganda on Tuesday, a result that sealed a perfect nine-point haul in Group C, the former African Footballer of the Year was asked which team he'd prefer to face in the knockout stages.

His response was as direct as his striking: "I don't care. Anybody can come."

Because Nigeria topped their group with three wins from three matches, they're now set to face one of the third-placed finishers from Groups A, B, or F.

With Groups A and B already decided and both Comoros and Angola eliminated from third-place contention, all eyes are on Group F to determine the Eagles' next opponent.

As it stands, Nigeria could be heading for a blockbuster clash with one of three formidable sides:

Cameroon – The Indomitable Lions, one of Africa's most historic football nations and perennial rivals to Nigeria.

A potential West-Central African derby that would electrify the continent.

Ivory Coast – The defending champions, who lifted the trophy on home soil in 2024.

A rematch against the Elephants would be the ultimate test of Nigeria's credentials.

Mozambique – The tournament's surprise package and "giant killers," who've already shown they fear no one in Morocco.

Osimhen's fearless attitude reflects the confidence surging through Eric Chelle's squad.

Nigeria have looked imperious so far, dispatching Libya, Tunisia, and Uganda with a blend of tactical discipline and attacking flair that has marked them as genuine contenders.

The Galatasaray striker, who wore the captain's armband for the first time in a competitive fixture against Uganda and described it as a pleasure, has embodied that winning mentality, leading by example both on and off the pitch.

While other teams might be calculating favourable matchups or hoping to avoid certain opponents, Osimhen's message is clear: Nigeria didn't come to Morocco to pick and choose their battles. They came to win.

The identity of their Round of 16 opponent will be confirmed after tonight's Group F fixtures conclude. But if Osimhen's attitude is anything to go by, it won't matter who shows up.

The Super Eagles are ready for anyone.