Victor Osimhen can carry Nigeria far at AFCON 2025 – Solomon Kalou

Ivory Coast legend Solomon Kalou has tipped Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen to spearhead Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title bid.

The 35th edition of the continental showpiece has been scheduled to take place in Morocco from December 21 through to January 18, 2026, with 24 countries set to battle it out for the covetous trophy.

However, Kalou, who won the English Premier League, FA Cup, Community Shield and the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea, has tipped Victor Osimhen to score more goals to aid the Super Eagles title bid.

“Victor Osimhen is the headline act, his goal scoring record speaks for itself, and he has the mentality to carry Nigeria deep into the tournament”, the former Chelsea forward said.

“If I had to pick one name for this tournament [to score the most goals], it’s Victor Osimhen. He’s in incredible form, and Nigeria’s group gives him the chance to start fast.

“Against Tanzania and Uganda, he could get a few goals early, and once a striker like Osimhen builds momentum, he’s very hard to stop. He has the hunger, the quality, and the mentality to finish as top scorer.” he told Duelbits.com.

Nigeria are paired in Group C against Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda. The West Africa football giants are expected to open their account against Tanzania on December 23, 2025.