Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has reacted to Nigeria’s painful semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, expressing frustration over the result, the officiating, and the mood within the camp.
Nigeria were beaten 4–2 on penalties in Rabat on Wednesday night after 120 minutes ended goalless.
Speaking after the match, Osimhen admitted the defeat was hard to take, especially at such a crucial stage of the tournament.
“We are all professionals, but it is disappointing and it hurts,” Osimhen told Canal+.
“Then we have to wait more years to try to qualify again for AFCON and try to prove a point.”
The Galatasaray forward was particularly unhappy with the refereeing, criticising Ghanaian official Daniel Nii Ayi.
“To be honest with you, today’s game was nothing to write home about in terms of officiating. It was that bad,” he said.
Despite his anger, Osimhen congratulated Morocco on their victory and praised his teammates for their effort against strong opposition backed by a huge home crowd.
“Big congratulations to the Moroccans. I’m proud of my team for the kind of fight we put up against a very good quality side, playing in front of thousands of fans,” he added.
Osimhen revealed that disappointment runs deep in the Super Eagles camp, as the players believed they could have gone all the way.
“To be honest, the whole squad is sad and disappointed because I believe we could have won the trophy. But moving forward, there are greater things ahead.”
He also described Morocco as one of the toughest teams Nigeria faced during the tournament.
“When you play against this kind of quality team, you have to be alert all the time,” he said.
However, he praised Nigeria’s resilience, noting that taking the hosts to penalties showed the team’s strength.
“For us to play them and get to penalties shows the strength we have as a group and as individuals. But penalties are a game of luck, and that’s football.”
Nigeria will now focus on Saturday’s third-place playoff against Egypt as they aim to finish AFCON 2025 with a bronze medal.
