AFCON 2025: Osimhen Fires Up Super Eagles For 4th Title Bid

Star striker Victor Osimhen has declared Nigeria’s Super Eagles’ unwavering determination to secure their fourth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in Morocco. His rallying cry comes ahead of Monday’s crucial Round of 16 clash against their Mozambican counterparts, the Mambas.

The Super Eagles last lifted the coveted continental trophy 13 years ago in South Africa, triumphing over Burkina Faso in the final. More recently, Éric Chelle’s squad narrowly missed out on a fourth title in the previous tournament, suffering a 2-1 defeat to hosts Ivory Coast in the final.

Osimhen, speaking to ESPN, emphasised the team’s collective ambition to go one step further this time. “It will mean a lot, not just to me, to the whole team, but to Nigeria,” he stated. “It has been a long time since this trophy came to Nigeria and the boys, every training, we are passing a clear message that we came here to get the trophy. I want it as bad as every other country that came to win it. Just like the rest of my teammates, that is why we come together to try to make sure that we achieve this objective.”

The Super Eagles will face Mozambique in a knockout fixture at the Fes Sports Complex, a familiar ground where Chelle’s side played all their group stage matches.

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This encounter marks only the second competitive meeting between Nigeria and Mozambique at the AFCON, with their first clash dating back to the 2010 edition.

Their initial encounter was an international friendly in Maputo in 1999, which Nigeria won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Gabriel Okolosi. The first competitive fixture saw them draw 0-0 in a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Maputo. Later, a dramatic 93rd-minute winner from Obinna Nsofor secured a vital 1-0 victory for Nigeria in Abuja during the same qualification campaign.

At the 2010 AFCON in Angola, Nigeria secured a comfortable 3-0 group stage win over Mozambique, with Obafemi Martins and a brace from Osaze Odemwingie sealing the victory. Their most recent friendly in 2023 saw Nigeria emerge 3-2 winners, despite Mozambique taking an early lead. Goals from Terem Moffi, Frank Onyeka, and a penalty from Moses Simon secured the win for the Super Eagles.