Former Nigeria international Ifeanyi Udeze has thrown his weight behind Victor Osimhen to rediscover his scoring touch as the Super Eagles prepare for a pivotal showdown with Tunisia this Saturday. Despite leading the line in Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Tanzania earlier this week, the Galatasaray striker failed to convert several high-quality opportunities, drawing a blank in the tournament opener.
Udeze, however, maintains that the reigning African Footballer of the Year possesses the mental fortitude and natural ability to overcome this temporary setback during the Group C clash in Fès.
Osimhen’s current record at the Africa Cup of Nations remains a point of discussion, with the prolific forward netting just once in nine appearances across three different editions of the tournament. Nevertheless, his clinical form at the club level provides a strong counter-argument to any concerns regarding his efficiency; the 26-year-old has already registered 12 goals for Galatasaray this season and remains Nigeria’s most potent weapon with eight international goals in 2025 alone. Udeze insists that the striker simply needs to maintain his composure to reignite his scoring streak on the continental stage.
“He didn’t score against Tanzania, but the goals will come,” Udeze told Footy-Africa during a pre-match analysis. “For me, it is not a problem. He just needs to keep his cool, and the goals will follow. He is a very good player and a natural goal machine.”
The former left-back noted that Osimhen’s visible frustration following the Tanzania game actually signals a positive level of hunger and accountability. He expects the forward to channel that energy into a decisive performance at the 40,000-capacity Fez Stadium. With both Nigeria and Tunisia having won their opening fixtures, the winner of this evening’s encounter will effectively secure a berth in the Round of 16, adding immense pressure to an already storied continental rivalry.
“He was frustrated and angry that he didn’t score against Tanzania, but hopefully he scores against Tunisia and the goals start flowing,” Udeze added.
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