Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has been labelled as Nigeria’s not-so-secret weapon heading into their AFCON 2025 quarter-final clash against Algeria, Soccernet.ng reports.
Italian tactician Vincenzo Alberto Annesse has labelled Osimhen as the strongest centre-forward at the AFCON 2025, and has backed the 27-year-old striker to help his side forge on in Morocco.
Osimhen has scored three goals from four games. Bar his spat with Lookman against Mozambique, the former Napoli man has had a decent tournament so far.
After a brief playing career, Alberto transitioned into coaching and served as the technical director for Burkina Faso at the AFCON 2025, but Ivory Coast eliminated them in the round of 16.
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Alberto Anesse backs Osimhen and the Super Eagles for success
Nigeria are set to play against an Algerian side that has been solid at the back, thanks to Luca Zidane, who has kept three clean sheets so far.
However, the 41-year-old tactician believes Osimhen has what it takes for Nigeria to head down to the wire with Cote d’Ivoire, as it happened two years ago.
“In attack, Nigeria has immense potential; they are among the favourites together with Côte d’Ivoire, but I see a more solid team,” the former Afghanistan coach said in quotes revealed by Corriere Dello Sports IT.
“Then, the Super Eagles have Osimhen, who, for me, is the strongest centre-forward of the tournament. I had seen the World Cup qualifying matches, and when Osimhen came out, Nigeria changed their approach.
However, the Bisceglie-born tactician believes Ivory Coast are worthy contenders, especially because of the presence of Manchester United’s Amad Diallo, alongside Morocco.
“Over the years, intense migration flows have affected these two countries that border on the Northeast side of Côte d’Ivoire. Then they have Diallo, who is very strong.
“Morocco are favourites not just because they are hosts. Of course, it is an extra help, but it also becomes a matter of pride.
“I like them a lot, they’re the only team in the tournament that loses the ball and immediately reassures. You can see that there is a project built over time. And they have Captain Hakimi and Neil El Aynaoui.
“Not to mention the current top scorer, Brahim Diaz. Here is the star. This tournament is also good for established champions.
Morocco and Senegal have already booked their place in the final four of the AFCON 2025 tournament.