Victor Osimhen Leads Super Eagles Into AFCON Semifinal Showdown With Morocco

Posted : 13 January 2026

Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying heartbreak was epitomized by Victor Osimhen’s shocking miss in the play-off against Gabon last November. With only the goalkeeper to beat in normal time, the striker, usually clinical, fired wide.

Although he redeemed himself by scoring twice in extra time to secure victory, Nigeria’s hopes ended days later in a penalty shootout against the Democratic Republic of Congo. This absence marks a second consecutive World Cup without the Super Eagles, even as African representation reaches record numbers.

However, all eyes are now on Morocco, where Nigeria will face the host nation in a high-stakes AFCON 2025 semifinal. The Super Eagles’ only path to redemption is to defeat Morocco and aim for the tournament crown. Nigeria, runners-up in the 2024 edition to Ivory Coast, are chasing their fourth continental title after triumphs in 1980, 1994, and 2013. The challenge is formidable: the team must overcome Morocco in front of nearly 70,000 fans in Rabat, before potentially facing either Senegal or Mohamed Salah’s Egypt in the final.

Despite the daunting task, Nigeria have been among the tournament’s most impressive sides, netting a tournament-high 14 goals in five matches. Osimhen has been instrumental, scoring four goals and assisting Akor Adams in the 2-0 quarterfinal win over Algeria in Marrakesh. The striker, who scored only once during Nigeria’s run to the final two years ago, has now hit top form under coach Eric Chelle. “I always review my mistakes in my spare time to see how I can improve,” Osimhen reflected after the Algeria match.

Osimhen’s resurgence is timely. After failing to score in seven matches during the last AFCON, he has now netted four in the last four games and nine goals in eight appearances since mid-October. He is closing in on Rashidi Yekini’s national team record of 37 goals. His form extends to club football as well, with 12 goals in 16 games for Galatasaray, including six in the UEFA Champions League. “For me, it’s not about goals or assists, it’s about winning something with this squad,” said the 27-year-old former African Player of the Year.

Nigeria have not lost a competitive match since Chelle took over as coach a year ago, despite off-field distractions, including a dispute over bonuses. Defender Semi Ajayi emphasized the team’s growth during the tournament. “In every game, we have taken a step forward and improved. We are looking to improve again for the next one,” he said. When asked about facing Morocco on their home turf, Ajayi remained confident: “We have a lot of experience in the changing room. We have dealt with big situations and pressure before.”

The Super Eagles now enter a defining moment, hoping that their blend of experience, form, and team spirit will carry them past Morocco and toward continental glory.

Victor Osimhen Leads Super Eagles Into AFCON Semifinal Showdown With Morocco

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