AFCON 2025: There is no pressure on Nigeria despite the high expectations – Victor Osimhen

Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen has insisted that there is no pressure on the Super Eagles as they pursue glory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, despite the high expectations from fans at home and abroad.

Osimhen’s comments were shared on Sunday by CAF-accredited photojournalist Pooja via X, with the forward addressing the atmosphere within the Nigerian camp ahead of the continental tournament.

According to the Napoli star, expectations surrounding the Super Eagles remain intense, but he stressed that confidence, rather than pressure, defines the mood among the players and the coaching staff.

“The expectation is really high, not just within the camp but also from the Super Eagles fans all over the world. I think inasmuch as the expectation is high, there is not a single pressure among my teammates, myself and also the coach because we know the kind of quality we possess,” Osimhen said.

The 26-year-old described the Africa Cup of Nations as an important opportunity for the team to make amends after the disappointment of missing out on qualification for the FIFA World Cup, adding that the players are determined to restore belief among supporters.

“This AFCON is an 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 more that we can give,” he said.

Osimhen also used the moment to apologise to Nigerians over the Super Eagles’ failure to secure a World Cup ticket, acknowledging the disappointment felt by fans across the country.