December 11, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke
Nigeria’s Super Eagles, led by star forward Victor Osimhen, are looking to restore pride and regain momentum after failing to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the second consecutive time — a setback last seen in 1990. Their clearest path to redemption now lies in winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Nigeria finished second behind South Africa in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers and advanced to the play-offs as one of the best runners-up. After a commanding 4–1 win over Gabon in the semi-final — with Osimhen scoring a brace — the Super Eagles were eliminated by DR Congo on penalties in the decisive play-off match.
Head coach Eric Chelle, formerly of Mali, described the elimination as deeply painful for the squad.
“Our players are suffering, and we must find a cure. Instead of hurting, we must hurt our opponents,” Chelle said, urging the team to channel their frustration into stronger performances.
Osimhen, equally disappointed, challenged the perception that the current squad represents a “golden generation.”
“Nigerians keep telling us we are a golden generation. But we have failed twice to qualify for the World Cup. If we are that good, why do we keep failing? Now we must go back to Morocco and win the Cup of Nations,” he said, adding that the team’s European-based talent must begin translating potential into trophies.
Nigeria’s clash with Tunisia on December 27 is expected to be the group’s headline fixture. The two nations have met six times at the AFCON, with Nigeria recording three wins, two draws, and one defeat.
