Online Reporter
VICTOR OSIMHEN-inspired Nigeria are hurting after another unsuccessful World Cup football qualifying campaign, and the quickest route to recovery would be winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Since 1990, the Super Eagles have never failed twice in a row to secure a place at the global show-piece, until this year.
After finishing as runners-up to table toppers and automatic qualifiers South Africa in Group C, Nigeria were given a second chance as one of the best four second-placed nations.
But after walloping Gabon 4-1 in a play-off semi-final in Morocco, with star striker Osimhen scoring twice, they lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo and were eliminated.
“Our players are suffering and we must find a cure. Instead of hurting, we must hurt our opponents,” Cote d’Ivoire-born coach Eric Chelle told reporters.
Turkey-based Osimhen said: “Nigerians keep telling us we are a golden generation. But we have now failed twice in succession to qualify for the World Cup.
“If we are that good, how come we keep failing? Now we have to return to Morocco and win the Cup of Nations.
“Our squad is packed with great Nigerians playing for some of the best clubs in Europe. The time has come to translate that greatness into trophies.” Nigeria are in Group C with Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda, and as top seeds will enjoy the advantage of playing all their first round matches in the northern city of Fes. — AFP.
