Victor Osimhen’s Path to Redemption at the Africa Cup of Nations
Former Nigeria defender Ifeanyi Udeze has expressed strong confidence in Victor Osimhen’s ability to break his goal drought at the Africa Cup of Nations. The Super Eagles are set to face Tunisia on Saturday, and Udeze believes this could be the moment when Osimhen finally finds the back of the net.
Osimhen, who has been a key player for both club and country, has struggled to find the scoresheet in previous editions of the tournament. In nine appearances across three editions, he has managed only one goal. Despite this, Udeze remains optimistic about the striker’s performance in Morocco.
In a recent interview, Udeze highlighted that Osimhen’s failure to score in Nigeria’s opening match against Tanzania should not be a cause for concern. The forward missed several clear chances during that game, which left fans and analysts questioning his form. However, Udeze believes that Osimhen’s recent performances at the club level suggest he is ready to turn things around.
Strong Form at Club and International Level
Osimhen has been in impressive form this season, scoring 12 goals for Galatasaray and eight goals for Nigeria in 2025. His consistency at the club level has earned him praise from fans and coaches alike. Udeze emphasized that Osimhen’s struggles at the Africa Cup of Nations are not indicative of his overall ability as a player.
“He didn’t score against Tanzania, but the goals will come,” Udeze told Footy-Africa. “For me, it is not a problem. He just needs to keep his cool, and the goals will follow. He is a very good player and a natural goal machine.”
Udeze also noted that Osimhen was visibly frustrated after the draw against Tanzania. The striker had high expectations for the match, and failing to score left him feeling disappointed. However, Udeze expects a positive response from Osimhen in the upcoming game against Tunisia.
A Crucial Match for Both Teams
The match between Nigeria and Tunisia is a top-of-the-table encounter in Group B. Both teams have won their opening matches, with Tunisia defeating Uganda and Nigeria securing a victory over Tanzania. A win on Saturday would give either team a significant advantage in the race for the round of 16.
The game will take place at the 40,000-capacity Fez Stadium, where fans are expected to fill the stands. Udeze anticipates a closely fought contest, with both teams having the potential to secure a crucial victory.
Looking Ahead
As the Africa Cup of Nations progresses, the pressure on Osimhen to deliver will continue to mount. However, Udeze believes that the striker is more than capable of rising to the occasion. With his strong form at the club level and his natural talent, Osimhen has all the tools needed to end his goal drought.
The match against Tunisia could be the turning point for Osimhen and the Super Eagles. If he can find the back of the net, it could provide a much-needed boost for the team as they aim to advance further in the tournament.
