Super Eagles captain, Wilfred Ndidi, has revealed that head coach, Eric Chelle, is pushing every player in the squad to reach the level set by Victor Osimhen at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Ndidi heaped praise on Osimhen, describing the Galatasaray striker as a dream signing for any side. Osimhen has been one of Nigeria’s standout performers at the tournament, scoring four goals and providing two assists, while also leading the press from the front when the Super Eagles are without the ball.
The former Napoli striker captained Nigeria against Mozambique and again wore the armband in the semifinal defeat to Morocco. Ndidi missed both matches, having been rested for the Mozambique game and then suspended for the semifinal.
Speaking to journalists ahead of the third place playoff against Egypt, Ndidi said Chelle has used Osimhen’s attitude and output as a benchmark for the entire squad.
“Osimhen is one of the best strikers in the world. If you face someone like Osimhen, it’s clear he takes charge of the team, and he’s a really good player. We’ll miss him if he’s not playing, which is pretty normal,” Ndidi said.
“Since the coach arrived, he’s made everyone feel like they need to match Osimhen’s level.
“He’s a great forward and really impressive if you have him on your team. He’s like three strikers in one. Eric Chelle has made it something that the whole team does together. Watch out for this team in the next few years.”
Naija News reports that Osimhen was substituted late in extra time against Morocco due to an ankle injury and did not take part in the penalty shootout defeat.
