Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has publicly apologized to Nigerians for the national team's failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Morocco as a critical opportunity for redemption and to restore national pride.
In a candid interview ahead of Nigeria's AFCON opener against Tanzania, the Galatasaray forward, currently on loan from Napoli, acknowledged the deep disappointment caused by the team's elimination. “We want to use this opportunity to say we are sorry for not getting the World Cup ticket,” Osimhen stated. “We know the disappointment on the faces of many Nigerian fans. Life has happened, so we have to keep it moving, and this AFCON is an opportunity for us to do well.”
The pain from the World Cup miss remains raw for the players, who are acutely aware of the heartbreak felt by supporters both at home and in the diaspora. Nigeria's campaign ended in November 2025 with a dramatic penalty shootout defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the CAF playoff final, held in Rabat, Morocco. The Super Eagles had advanced past Gabon in the semifinals but fell 4-3 on penalties after a tense encounter, marking back-to-back World Cup absences following the miss for Qatar 2022.
This failure has amplified scrutiny on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the team, denting the reputation of a nation long considered an African football giant with three AFCON titles (1980, 1994, 2013) and consistent World Cup appearances from 1994 to 2018.
Osimhen, a key figure in the squad and one of Africa's premier forwards, emphasized the heightened expectations surrounding the Super Eagles at AFCON 2025, which runs from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. “The expectation is really high, not just within the camp but also from Super Eagles fans all over the world,” he said. However, he insisted that the pressure is motivating rather than overwhelming, citing the quality of players and coaching staff under head coach Éric Chelle.
“There is no pressure among my teammates, myself, or the coach because we know the kind of quality he possesses,” Osimhen added, referring to the collective talent in the squad, including stars like Ademola Lookman and Wilfred Ndidi.
The 26-year-old stressed that apologies must be backed by performance. “It’s not going to be easy. We have to fight for every game and every ball. We have to try to win every game and see if we can get to the final and win it,” he declared, underscoring a commitment to relentless effort on the pitch.
Nigeria, placed in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda, begins its campaign on December 23, 2025, against Tanzania in Fès. As runners-up in the 2023 AFCON (losing to hosts Côte d’Ivoire), the Super Eagles are eager to claim a fourth continental crown and heal the wounds from recent setbacks.
Osimhen's leadership extends beyond words; his arrival completed the squad in Cairo before the team's move to Morocco, boosting morale. Despite a challenging year marked by club transfers and national disappointments, his prolific form—31 goals in 46 international appearances—positions him as a focal point for Nigeria's attack.
The apology resonates amid broader soul-searching in Nigerian football, with former players and officials attributing the World Cup failure to coaching instability, administrative issues, and missed opportunities. Yet, Osimhen's message of accountability and determination has been welcomed by fans, offering hope for a strong showing in Morocco.
As the tournament approaches, the Super Eagles aim to channel this adversity into success, proving that actions on the field can indeed mend broken hearts.
