“It’s not going to be easy”, Osimhen admits tough road for Nigeria ahead of World Cup qualifiers

• Victor Osimhen is eager to return for Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe after missing the first four games due to injury
• The Super Eagles are in a tough spot, sitting fifth in their group with just three points from four matches, trailing leaders Rwanda by four points
• Osimhen spoke positively about new coach Eric Chelle, revealing he has had conversations with him and is eager to see his impact on the team

It is no news that Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hangs by a thread, however, Super Eagles star striker Victor Osimhen is determined to turn things around. 

The Napoli-owned forward, who has been in red-hot form for Galatasaray, is eager to return to the national team and help secure vital wins in the upcoming qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March.

With a staggering 20 goals and five assists in 25 games across all competitions this season, Osimhen has proven to be Nigeria’s most prolific striker. Currently on loan from Napoli, the 26-year-old has adapted seamlessly to life in Turkey, showing the kind of form that could be crucial for the Super Eagles’ resurgence.

Injury troubles had earlier sidelined him from Nigeria’s first four World Cup qualifying matches, and without their talisman, the Super Eagles struggled, picking up just three points from four games. 

As a result, they now find themselves in a precarious position, fifth place in Group C, trailing leaders Rwanda by four points with six matches left to play.

Osimhen, however, remains optimistic about Nigeria’s chances. Speaking to journalist Oluwashina Okeleji, the striker expressed his burning desire to represent his country on football’s grandest stage,

“You have to give everything; you know it’s a dream of every youngster to be at the World Cup. Mine is no exception. So for me, I want to be there just like every one of my teammates, and we are really looking forward to the game against Rwanda and Zimbabwe to try and correct all the mistakes we have made in the past. So, we will be ready,” he stated.

Osimhen also shared his thoughts on Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 group stage draw, where the three-time African champions will face Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania. 

With the tournament set to be held in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, the striker acknowledged the challenge ahead,

“It’s not going to be easy, this is African football, and you can get a lot of surprises, but we will take each game as it comes,” he stated. 

“We have a new coach, and I spoke with him a couple of times. I know the kind of objectives he has set for the team, and I am looking forward to the first training so we can feel his presence,” Osimhen added.

With the decisive World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda (March 17) and Zimbabwe (March 24) fast approaching, Osimhen’s return could be the boost Nigeria desperately needs. Victory in both matches would help their campaign and bring them closer to securing a World Cup ticket.

Onigbinde urges Super Eagles coach Chelle to harness Nigeria’s talent for World Cup success

Previously, TheRadar reported that former national team coach Chief Adeboye Onigbinde has urged newly appointed Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle to effectively manage the country's vast talent pool as he takes on the challenge of leading the Super Eagles.

Despite this abundance of quality, Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign has been disappointing.