Nigeria eyeing African glory

GROUP C: OSIMHEN-INSPIRED GIANTS KEEN TO ERASE THE PAIN OF FAILING TO MAKE WORLD CUP

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KEY MAN. Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen will be hoping to lead from the front as they chase African glory.

(Backpagepix)

Victor Osimhen-inspired Nigeria are hurting after another unsuccessful World Cup 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 until this year failed twice in a row to secure a place at the global showpiece.

After finishing 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 playoffs semifinal 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," Ivory Coast-born head 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.