Nigeria’s football dreams are on the line, and Victor Osimhen is ready to lead the charge. But here’s where it gets controversial: after back-to-back heartbreaks—losing the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) final to Ivory Coast and missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the second consecutive time—can the Super Eagles truly turn their fortunes around? Osimhen, the 26-year-old striker, believes so. In an exclusive interview with BBC Sport Africa, he described the 2025 Afcon as a golden "opportunity" to fulfill the team’s "dream" of lifting the continent’s most coveted trophy. "Life has happened, we just have to keep it moving," he said, brushing off recent setbacks, including a penalty shootout loss to DR Congo. But is it that simple? And this is the part most people miss: Osimhen’s absence during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers saw Nigeria fail to secure a single victory, highlighting his undeniable influence. Yet, he remains humble, crediting his teammates and fans for their unwavering support. "We have so many talented players in this squad," he admitted, emphasizing the team’s depth with stars like Akor Adams and Paul Onuachu. However, does relying too heavily on one player set the team up for failure if he’s unavailable? That’s a question worth debating. Meanwhile, the squad’s dynamics are shifting. Defender Calvin Bassey mourned the international retirement of William Troost-Ekong, calling him an "incredible leader," but he’s confident in new captain Wilfred Ndidi’s ability to step up. Bassey also highlighted the chemistry between himself, Alex Iwobi, and Samuel Chukwueze, hoping their club bond translates to national success. As Nigeria kicks off their Group C campaign against Tanzania, the stakes are higher than ever. Will this be their year to reclaim Afcon glory, or will history repeat itself? What do you think—is Osimhen the key to Nigeria’s success, or does the team need a more balanced approach? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
