Osimhen & Lookman search AFCON pleasure after World Cup ache

Nigerian forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman have vowed to remodel Nigeria’s World Cup heartbreak into triumph on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, PUNCH Sports activities Further experiences.

Osimhen apologised to Nigerians for the group’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after shedding to DR Congo within the play-offs, however promised the squad would battle to make amends.

“AFCON is the chance for us to attempt to proper our wrongs, to attempt to make the Tremendous Eagles followers everywhere in the world consider that there’s a lot that we can provide,” the Galatasaray striker instructed photo-journalist PoojaMedia.

“We’re so sorry, we’ve to make use of this chance to say we’re sorry for not getting them the World Cup ticket. I do know the frustration on the faces of many Nigerians. Life has occurred, and we’ve to maintain it transferring, and this AFCON is a chance to do properly and to guarantee that we win the match.”

The prolific ahead, arguably Africa’s finest centre-forward, declared the group would “go to warfare” on the match, beginning with Tuesday’s opener in opposition to Tanzania.

“It’s all about going to warfare. Tuesday is the primary one, and we’ll give every part. We’re not underrating anybody in our group, however I feel we’re up there with so many favourites on this match,” Osimhen instructed Kelechi Anyikude.

Lookman echoed related sentiments, telling Elegbete TV Sports activities that the squad should channel their World Cup disappointment into a strong driving power.

“The truth of that’s disappointing for all of us and the nation. Hopefully, we are able to use that ache into one thing constructive, and switch it into one thing highly effective to drive us,” the Atalanta winger mentioned.

“Proper now, I’m centered on performing and serving to the group in Morocco and hopefully bringing glory again residence. Final time, we got here so shut in Abidjan, however we didn’t win, so holding that togetherness, unity that we’ve within the squad is a crucial factor for us.”

Nigeria final met Tanzania at AFCON in 1980, profitable 3-1 en path to claiming their first continental title. The Tremendous Eagles will likely be aiming for all three factors when either side conflict on the Complexe Sportif de Fes on Tuesday.