Osimhen, Lookman keen to turn W’Cup pain to AFCON joy

Nigerian forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman have vowed to transform Nigeria’s World Cup heartbreak into triumph at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Osimhen apologised to Nigerians for the team’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after losing to DR Congo in the play-offs, but promised the squad would fight to make amends.

“AFCON is the opportunity for us to try to right our wrongs, to try to make the Super Eagles fans all over the world believe that there is so much that we can give,” the Galatasaray striker told photo-journalist PoojaMedia.

“We are so sorry, we have to use this opportunity to say we’re sorry for not getting them the World Cup ticket. I know the disappointment on the faces of many Nigerians. Life has happened, and we have to keep it moving, and this AFCON is an opportunity to do well and to make sure that we win the tournament.”

The prolific forward, arguably Africa’s best centre-forward, declared the team would “go to war” at the tournament, starting with Tuesday’s opener against Tanzania.

“It’s all about going to war. Tuesday is the first one, and we will give everything. We are not underrating anyone in our group, but I think we’re up there with so many favourites in this tournament,” Osimhen told Kelechi Anyikude.

Lookman echoed similar sentiments, telling Elegbete TV Sports that the squad must channel their World Cup disappointment into a powerful driving force.

“The reality of that is disappointing for all of us and the nation. Hopefully, we can use that pain into something positive, and turn it into something powerful to drive us,” the Atalanta winger said.

“Right now, I am focused on performing and helping the team in Morocco and hopefully bringing glory back home. Last time, we came so close in Abidjan, but we didn’t win, so keeping that togetherness, unity that we have in the squad is an important thing for us.”

Nigeria last met Tanzania at AFCON in 1980, winning 3-1 en route to claiming their first continental title. The Super Eagles will be aiming for all three points when both sides clash at the Complexe Sportif de Fes on Tuesday.