Nigeria head into the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco carrying the familiar weight of expectation, and rightly so.
The Super Eagles are not just contenders by reputation; they are contenders by evidence. Three-time champions in 1980, 1994 and 2013. Runners-up on five occasions. A top-three finish in 13 of their last 15 AFCON appearances. Semi-finalists in 13 of the last 15 tournaments since 1988. And in North Africa, where this tournament is being staged, Nigeria have finished in the top three in five of six appearances.
You simply do not sustain that level of consistency without being taken seriously.
Yet beneath the confidence, beneath the pedigree, sits a question that grows louder with every match: what happens if Victor Osimhen is taken out of the equation?
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Victor Osimhen: Nigeria’s trump card and pressure point
There is no argument about Nigeria’s strength in depth. Almost every position in Eric Chelle’s 28-man squad has credible alternatives. Samuel Chukwueze can give way to Chidera Ejuke. Ademola Lookman can be replaced by Moses Simon. Akor Adams can be swapped for Cyriel Dessers or Paul Onuachu.
But Osimhen is different.
When he plays, Nigeria look ferocious: direct, aggressive, and ruthless. When he doesn’t, or when he is neutralised, the Super Eagles can look strangely toothless. Less roaring lion, more anxious house cat.
The rest of Africa has noticed.
Nigeria’s World Cup playoff win over Gabon in November was a reminder of Osimhen’s importance. He scored twice in extra time to drag his country over the line. Three days later, injury forced him off early against DR Congo and Nigeria were turned inside out in the second half by the Leopards.
It was not subtle. It was not theoretical. It was visible.
That is why AFCON opponents will arrive with a simple instruction: stop Osimhen, and you stop Nigeria. Some will do it with structure and discipline. Others will do it with aggression and dark arts. Either way, the message is clear.
Akwuegbu’s warning and Chelle’s test
This is where the voice of experience matters.
Former Nigerian international Benedict Akwuegbu has issued a timely warning to the Super Eagles’ technical crew; one that goes beyond sentiment and into tournament reality.
Speaking with Footy Africa, Akwuegbu said:
“I’m optimistic that the team will excel; we just need to keep hope alive. We must continue to support the NFF and the entire team. We have the players and the quality needed to win the tournament.”
But optimism alone will not win AFCON.
“My only advice to the coach is to adopt more varied tactics and a different style of play. The team currently relies too heavily on Osimhen, and whenever he doesn’t play or score, the team tends to struggle. Many countries are now familiar with our approach and will focus on marking Osimhen and Lookman out of the game.
“It’s important for the coach to develop a system in which goals can come from any player and where there are multiple match winners, as this is an area the team currently lacks.”
It is a fair assessment and a necessary one.
Why Plan B may decide Nigeria’s AFCON fate
Nigeria are almost guaranteed to progress from Group C, which includes Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda. Only twice, in 1968 and 1982, have the Super Eagles failed to escape the group stage at AFCON.
But knockout football is unforgiving.
Hosts Morocco, defending champions Ivory Coast, Senegal, Egypt, and South Africa are all capable of winning the tournament. Tunisia, Mali, Burkina Faso, Algeria and DR Congo are dangerous outsiders. These teams will not give Osimhen space. Some will not give him peace.
That is why Chelle’s real work must happen on the training pitch.
Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams and Cyriel Dessers were not invited for decoration. They represent the foundation of Nigeria’s Plan B. Training must not revolve solely around Osimhen’s strengths. Patterns of play, build-up structures and chance creation must function with or without him.
Osimhen may miss a game. He may be marked out of another. He may be on the pitch and still be neutralised. Nigeria must be ready for all these scenarios.
Because when Nigeria combine their fearsome Plan A with a reliable, confident Plan B, they do not just compete at AFCON, they dominate it.
And only then can this talented Super Eagles squad turn pedigree into silverware once again.