I spoke with Eric Chelle – Osimhen reacts to Super Eagles AFCON 2025 group draw

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has shared his thoughts on Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations group stage draw, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Napoli-owned forward, who is currently plying his trade in Turkey, acknowledged the challenges ahead while expressing confidence in the team’s ability

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has placed Nigeria in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania. This sets up a competitive path for the three-time African champions as they aim for glory in Morocco.

Speaking to BBC journalist Oluwashina Okeleji, Osimhen admitted that the group stage would not be easy but remains optimistic that the team will perform well under newly appointed head coach Eric Chelle.

2023 African Footballer of the Year, @victorosimhen9, is eager to play in a World Cup with #Nigeria.

The Napoli loanee missed the previous four 2026 World Cup qualifying games with injury.#Galatasaray man talks about his ambition and expectations under new coach Eric Chellé. pic.twitter.com/ti5UIDW8BY

— Oluwashina Okeleji (@oluwashina) February 23, 2025

Osimhen: AFCON Will Not Be Easy, But We Are Ready

Speaking on the nature of African football, the former LOSC Lille forward has revealed that the AFCON tournament is full of surprises.

“It’s not gonna be easy. Just like we all know, this is African football, this is AFCON. You can get a lot of surprises. But we are going to take each game as it comes.”

Osimhen also revealed that he has already been in communication with Chelle and is eager to work under the Malian tactician, who will take charge of Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers in March before leading the team to AFCON.

Alex Iwobi, Victor Osimhen of Nigeria during the Afcon 2023 match between Nigeria and Equitorial Guinea at Stade D Ebimpe on January 14, 2024 in Abidjan, Cote d Ivore. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

“We have a new coach [Eric Chelle]. I spoke with him a couple of times, and I know the kind of objectives he has set for the players. I am looking forward to the first training of the game [against Rwanda] so we can also feel his presence,” Osimhen added.

Super Eagles Eye a Strong Start Under Chelle

Nigeria’s first competitive test under Chelle will come in March when they face Rwanda and Zimbabwe in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. These matches will allow the new coach to assess his squad before AFCON 2025.

Victor Osimhen and Alex Iwobi (Photo credit: Imago)

With Osimhen potentially leading the attack, the Super Eagles will aim for a strong campaign in Morocco as they seek to add a fourth AFCON title to their trophy gallery.