Dutch-born defender Endurance Alade believes Nigeria have a strong chance of winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with Victor Osimhen key to their hopes.
Speaking exclusively to Footy-Africa, the Vittese defender highlighted the Napoli striker’s influence as the Super Eagles prepare for the tournament, which will be staged in Morocco.
“Nigeria has many quality players, so it’s hard to single out just one,” Alade exclusively told Footy-Africa. “But players with experience and personality can really make the difference in big tournaments.
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“Someone who stays calm under pressure and leads by example can be crucial for the team’s success. Victor Osimhen is a player who can always make a difference with his energy, mentality and goals. I think with him, Nigeria has a good chance of winning.”
Alade, who was born in the Netherlands to Nigerian parents, currently plays for Vittese in the Dutch Eredivisie and has previously expressed an interest in representing Nigeria at international level.
While his future remains undecided, the defender says he will be backing the Super Eagles throughout the tournament and hopes to see them lift the AFCON trophy for a fourth time.
Nigeria last lifted the AFCON trophy in 2013 and came close to ending that wait earlier this year, finishing runners-up after losing the final to hosts Côte d’Ivoire. Eric Chelle’s side will be aiming to go one step further this time, beginning their campaign against Tanzania in Fez.
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The Super Eagles boast a squad packed with players from Europe’s top leagues, but Osimhen remains the standout figure.
The 26-year-old has scored 31 goals for Nigeria, making him the country’s second-highest goalscorer of all time, behind only Rashidi Yekini’s record 37.
Averaging close to a goal per game, Osimhen has established himself as one of Africa’s most reliable forwards. His importance has been underlined in recent competitive matches, with Nigeria often struggling to turn possession into goals when he has been absent.
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