Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen rallied fans during the team's preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, stating bluntly that the entire team is fully prepared for the tournament to be held in Morocco, with the goal of winning the team's fourth African championship in its history.
For Osimhen, this tournament is not just about football itself, but also an opportunity to correct the past and prove himself. During an interview with Ademola Victor TV, he faced up to the fans' disappointment head-on and promised that the team would embrace the challenge with a brand-new level of commitment.
Osimhen said, "We've always been very close to success but have always fallen short of the final step. This Africa Cup of Nations is an opportunity for us to prove ourselves. Our goal is clear: to go all the way and win the championship. This won't be an easy road, but with the strength of this team and the support from Nigerian fans worldwide, I believe we're fully capable of reaching the final and bringing the trophy home."
After missing out on the World Cup, the Nigerian team has been under intense external scrutiny and pressure. In response, Osimhen expressed full confidence in the current coaching staff and emphasized that the team has learned from previous failures. He said, "Everyone is ready. The coach and the entire team have done an excellent job, and everything is well-organized. We have carefully analyzed the mistakes made in the previous Africa Cup of Nations and the recent play-offs, and these experiences will help us do better."
During the interview, Osimhen also specifically mentioned the support he has received at the club level. He stated that since joining Galatasaray, the fans have always stood behind him, and this support has also been present during national team matches. Osimhen said, "Galatasaray fans have always been a very important source of strength for me. Even when I'm competing in national team events, they still give me unwavering support. This continuous encouragement means a great deal to me."