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Osimhen, Lookman pledge AFCON glory for Nigeria

Published

5 months ago

December 23, 2025

Osimhen Lookman AFCON 2025: Nigerian forwards promise to transform World Cup heartbreak into victory at Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco

Nigerian forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman have vowed to turn the Super Eagles’ World Cup disappointment into triumph at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

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Osimhen, speaking to photo-journalist PoojaMedia, apologised to Nigerians after the team failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a play-off loss to DR Congo. The Galatasaray striker pledged that the squad would fight to make amends at AFCON.

“AFCON is the opportunity for us to try to right our wrongs, to try to make the Super Eagles fans all over the world believe that there is so much that we can give,” Osimhen said. “We are so sorry, we have to use this opportunity to say we’re sorry for not getting them the World Cup ticket. Life has happened, and we have to keep it moving, and this AFCON is an opportunity to do well and to make sure that we win the tournament.”

The prolific striker, widely regarded as Africa’s best centre-forward, added that the team would “go to war” in the tournament, beginning with Tuesday’s opener against Tanzania.

Lookman, speaking to Elegbete TV Sports, emphasised that the team must channel their World Cup setback into motivation.

“The reality of that is disappointing for all of us and the nation. Hopefully, we can use that pain into something positive, and turn it into something powerful to drive us,” the Atalanta winger said. “Right now, I am focused on performing and helping the team in Morocco and hopefully bringing glory back home. Last time, we came so close in Abidjan, but we didn’t win, so keeping that togetherness, unity that we have in the squad is an important thing for us.”

Nigeria last faced Tanzania at AFCON in 1980, winning 3-1 en route to their first continental title.