Victor Osimhen’s journey with the Super Eagles over the past year has been one of frustration, redemption and renewed belief.
A defining moment of Nigeria’s failed World Cup qualification campaign came when the prolific striker missed a golden opportunity in a decisive play-off against Gabon in Rabat last November, firing wide with only the goalkeeper to beat at the end of regulation time. Although Osimhen later redeemed himself with two goals in extra time to seal victory, Nigeria’s World Cup hopes were ultimately dashed days later after a penalty shoot-out defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
As a result, Nigeria will miss a second straight FIFA World Cup, even as Africa prepares to send a record number of teams—potentially 10—to the tournament in North America.
Now back in Rabat, however, the Super Eagles have a chance at redemption as they face hosts and tournament favourites Morocco in Wednesday’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final.
For Nigeria, winning AFCON represents the clearest path to making amends. Runners-up at the 2024 tournament after losing to hosts Ivory Coast, the three-time champions are chasing a fourth continental crown to add to their triumphs in 1980, 1994 and 2013.
The task is formidable. Morocco, semi-finalists at the 2022 World Cup, will have close to 70,000 home fans behind them, while either defending champions Senegal or Mohamed Salah-led Egypt await in the final.
Yet Nigeria arrive full of confidence. They have arguably been the tournament’s standout side, scoring a competition-high 14 goals in five matches. Osimhen has been central to that success, netting four goals, including the opener in Saturday’s 2-0 quarter-final win over Algeria in Marrakesh, where he also assisted Akor Adams’ decisive strike.
After managing just one goal during Nigeria’s run to the final two years ago, Osimhen is now firing on all cylinders under head coach Eric Chelle.
“I’ve grown a lot, both as a man and as a player,” Osimhen said after the Algeria match. “I always review my mistakes in my free time and look for ways to improve.”
Despite going seven AFCON matches without scoring previously, the striker has now found the net in four consecutive games and boasts nine goals in eight international appearances since mid-October. He is just two goals shy of equalling the late Rashidi Yekini’s national record of 37 goals.
Osimhen’s club form has also been impressive. The former African Footballer of the Year has scored 12 goals in 16 matches for Galatasaray this season, including six in the UEFA Champions League.
“I play with a lot of confidence now, thanks to my teammates,” the 27-year-old said. “But it’s not about goals or assists—it’s about winning something together.”
Since Chelle took charge a year ago, Nigeria have not lost a competitive match, aside from the World Cup play-off penalty defeat. The team have also put off-field issues, including a dispute over bonuses, behind them during their AFCON campaign.
Osimhen’s visible frustration during the last-16 victory over Mozambique was later played down as nothing more than competitive passion.
“In tournaments like this, timing is everything,” said defender Semi Ajayi. “We’ve improved with every game and want to take another step forward.”
Facing Morocco on home soil will be Nigeria’s toughest test yet, but Ajayi remains unfazed.
“We have experienced players in the dressing room. We’ve handled pressure and big occasions before,” he said.
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