Super Eagles will ‘trample on any team’ in AFCON knockouts – Osimhen vows

Super Eagles captain, Victor Osimhen has sent a bold warning to Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations rivals, insisting the Super Eagles can “trample on any team” as they chase an end to the country’s 13-year wait for continental glory.

Nigeria’s commanding 3-1 victory over Uganda on Tuesday, achieved with a largely second-string side, sealed a perfect group-stage record of three wins from three matches. It marked only the fourth time Nigeria have achieved that feat in 20 AFCON appearances.

Victories over Tunisia and Tanzania further underlined the Super Eagles’ status as one of the tournament’s most dangerous teams, according to the Galatasaray striker.

“Yes, I would count my country as one of the favourites,” Osimhen said post-match, as Nigeria set up a round-of-16 clash with Mozambique on January 5.

“We are one of the most feared teams in this tournament. Any team can come and play us. If they are good, they can scale through, but if they are not, we can trample on any team because this team has the quality to hurt any big or good team in this competition.”

Despite the fighting talk, Osimhen struck a note of caution, stressing the importance of focus and respect as the tournament progresses.

“We respect every team that qualifies for the next round, and whoever we meet is going to see the fighting spirit of Nigeria,” he said.

“The round of 16 will be tougher than the group stage, so the boys are ready to give everything. We respect every team, but we are not scared of anybody.”

Nigeria, three-time AFCON champions, have not lifted the trophy in nearly 13 years. They came close at the last edition, losing to hosts Ivory Coast in the 2023 final, and Osimhen made clear how much ending the drought would mean.

“It would mean a lot—not just to me or the team, but to Nigeria,” he said. “It’s been a long time since this trophy came home. Every training session, we remind ourselves that we are here to win it.”

However, he was quick to play down the hype surrounding Nigeria’s flawless start.

“We don’t get carried away. There’s still a lot of work to do,” he cautioned. “We’re taking it game by game.”

Osimhen’s words carried extra significance as he captained Nigeria for the first time, leading a heavily rotated side after coach Eric Chelle made eight changes, having already secured qualification.

“It feels good,” he said of wearing the armband. “It comes with a huge responsibility, but I’m learning what it takes to lead. Now I understand why Wilfred Ndidi always looks so happy when we win.”

With William Troost-Ekong retired, Osimhen had been mentioned as a potential captain before Ndidi was officially appointed. Some questioned whether his fiery temperament suited leadership, but his composed display against Uganda helped dispel those doubts.

“The coach gave us clear instructions,” Osimhen explained. “For me, it was important to motivate the boys, especially those starting their first game at this AFCON, and put them in the right frame of mind.”

Despite being one booking away from suspension, Osimhen started the match—just a day after his birthday—and delivered a disciplined performance before being substituted after 87 minutes.

“I don’t question the coach’s decisions,” he said. “If I’m asked to play, I play. If I’m on the bench, that’s fine too.”

Osimhen admitted captaining the side influenced his more restrained approach.

“If I try to do too much, it can put fear into the team,” he said. “So I focused on motivating the boys and leading in the right way.”

He also praised strike partner Paul Onuachu, whose opener was his fourth international goal and Nigeria’s 150th in AFCON history, making him the country’s 70th different scorer at the tournament.

“Paul is family to me,” Osimhen said. “He’s a quality striker, and I’m happy for him.”

Midfielder Raphael Onyedika, who scored twice and was named man of the match, also earned glowing praise.

“He deserved it,” Osimhen said. “He’s been one of our best players and showed the world what he can do.”

As Nigeria turn their attention to the knockout stage, Osimhen had a final message for the fans:

“They should keep supporting us because it will get tougher from here. With their support, I believe we can go through.”