Amunike Backs Osimhen to Lead Super Eagles to Continental Glory

Emmanuel Amunike, the legendary former Barcelona winger and a cornerstone of Nigerian football history, has cast his vote of confidence for the Super Eagles to claim the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations trophy. Speaking with the authority of a man who has reached the pinnacle of both club and international football, the 55-year-old icon believes that the current generation has the tools to succeed where they narrowly failed in the previous edition.

At the heart of Amunike’s optimism is Victor Osimhen, the Galatasaray talisman whose rise from the youth ranks to global stardom has been a source of immense pride for the nation. Amunike, who played a pivotal role in Osimhen’s early development during their time together in the national youth setup, noted that the striker’s leadership qualities are not a new phenomenon. He pointed out that the fiery character and relentless work ethic Osimhen displays today are the same traits he has carried throughout his professional journey.

However, the former African Footballer of the Year was quick to temper his excitement with a stern warning for the squad. In a candid assessment shared with sports personality Victor Modo, Amunike emphasized that titles are not won on paper or through media proclamations. He urged the team, currently navigating a new era, to internalize the reality that the path to the podium in Morocco will be paved with grit and physical sacrifice rather than rhetoric.

The 2025 tournament carries a heavy weight for Nigeria, coming on the heels of a bittersweet campaign in Ivory Coast. Under the guidance of former manager Jose Peseiro, the Super Eagles marched all the way to the final, only to see their dreams of a fourth continental title evaporate in a 2-1 defeat to the host nation. That loss remains a fresh wound for many fans, and Amunike believes the only way to heal it is through a dominant, uncompromising performance on the pitch.

Amunike’s message was clear: the team must “fight and earn it.” He stressed that while talent is abundant within the Nigerian ranks, the AFCON is a unique tournament where technical skill often takes a backseat to sheer endurance and mental toughness. For a team that has often been criticized for losing focus in high-pressure moments, his words serve as a timely reminder of the standard required to reign supreme in Africa.

The focus on Osimhen as the catalyst for this success is no coincidence. As one of the most feared strikers in world football, his ability to inspire his teammates through his “never-say-die” attitude is seen as Nigeria’s greatest asset. Amunike expressed a deep personal desire to see Osimhen lift the trophy, viewing it as the natural culmination of the striker’s dedication to the green and white jersey over the years.

Morocco, the host of the upcoming spectacle, will provide a challenging backdrop. The North African giants and other rising powers on the continent have closed the gap, making the 2025 edition one of the most anticipated in recent history. Amunike’s call for the players to “fight” is a nod to the increasing physicality and tactical sophistication of African football, where no opponent can be taken lightly.

Beyond the tactical side of the game, Amunike’s intervention highlights the importance of institutional memory and mentorship in Nigerian football. By publicly challenging the players to stop “talking with their mouths” and start delivering with their feet, he is attempting to instill a culture of accountability that has occasionally been lacking in the national camp.

As the Super Eagles prepare for the journey to Morocco, the shadows of the Ivory Coast final will undoubtedly loom large. The pressure to go one step further and secure the gold is immense. With voices like Amunike’s echoing in their ears, the players are being reminded that they carry the hopes of millions who are tired of being “runners-up” and are hungry for a return to the summit of African football.

The road ahead will require more than just the goals of Victor Osimhen; it will require a collective shift in mentality. Amunike’s blueprint for success is simple yet demanding: respect the talent, but rely on the struggle. If the Super Eagles can match their technical brilliance with the “fighting” spirit their predecessors demand, the 2025 AFCON could indeed be the moment Nigeria reclaims its status as the king of the continent.