Nigeria’s forward #09 Victor Osimhen. Photo: SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP If there was a moment that summed up Nigeria’s failed World Cup qualifying campaign, it was perhaps Victor Osimhen’s incredible miss during a crunch play-off against Gabon. He did make amends by scoring twice in extra time as the Super Eagles eventually won that match, but their bid to make the finals in North America came to an end a few days later as they lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Nigeria, an African footballing superpower, will therefore be absent from a second consecutive World Cup while a record number of teams from the continent — 10 if DR Congo win an intercontinental play-off in March — will be present. On Wednesday, however, the Nigerians will be back in the Moroccan capital for a blockbuster Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against the hosts and title favourites. The only way the Super Eagles can really make amends is by beating Morocco and winning AFCON.
Nigeria, who lost the 2024 Cup of Nations final to hosts Ivory Coast, are looking for a fourth continental title to follow those won in 1980, 1994 and 2013. It remains a big ask given the challenge of beating 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Morocco in front of almost 70,000 of their supporters in Rabat, as well as the fact that either Senegal or Mohamed Salah’s Egypt would then lie in wait in the final. But Nigeria have arguably been the most impressive side these last three weeks in Morocco, scoring a tournament-high 14 goals in five matches.
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Osimhen has four goals, including the opener in Saturday’s 2-0 quarter-final victory against Algeria in Marrakesh in which he also set up the clincher for Akor Adams. A player who starred on the run to the final two years ago despite scoring just once is now at his prolific best for Eric Chelle’s team.
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