National Teams
“It’s not going to be easy” — Victor Osimhen admits tough AFCON 2025 group

By Monsurah Olatunji
Victor Osimhen has shared his thoughts on the challenging group stage draw for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where Nigeria will face Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania.
The African elite tournament is set to take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in Morocco.
The 26-year-old, currently enjoying a stellar season with Galatasaray on loan from Napoli, has netted 20 goals and provided 5 assists in 25 appearances across all competitions.
As Nigeria’s most prolific striker this season, Osimhen recognizes the tough competition ahead, yet he remains optimistic about the Super Eagles’ prospects under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Eric Chelle.
“It’s not going to be easy, this is African football, and you can get a lot of surprises. But we will take each game as it comes,” Osimhen told journalist Oluwshina Okeleji.
“We have a new coach, and I’ve spoken with him a couple of times. I know the kind of objectives he has set for the team, and I am looking forward to the first training session so we can feel his presence.”
Nigeria’s quest for a fourth African title will begin against Tanzania on December 23 at the Fez Stadium in Fez.
The Super Eagles will then take on Tunisia on December 27 at the same venue, before concluding their group matches with a clash against Uganda’s Cranes on December 30.
However, Nigeria’s first competitive test under Chelle will take place in March, when they face Rwanda and Zimbabwe in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
These matches will serve as key opportunities for the new coach to evaluate his squad ahead of AFCON 2025.
