Super Eagles and AJ Auxerre central defender, Gabriel Adedayo Osho, has backed the Nigerian National team to clinch their fourth AFCON title in Morocco next year, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 26-year-old was born in England to Nigerian parents and had his first invitation to the Super Eagles in March during Finidi George’s time as interim manager of the team. Osho had to decline the invitation due to an injury but eventually made his debut for the three-time AFCON Champions against Benin Republic last month.
The former Luton Town man has had a decent start to life in Ligue 1 with his club side currently 15th in the French top flight. He’s also been involved on the offensive end of things as he scored a goal in Auxerre’s draw against RC Lens.
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After making his debut for the Super Eagles, Osho wants to help the Nigerian team go one better than they did at the AFCON 2023 tournament in Ivory Coast.
“It was special to play for Nigeria. I didn’t really know the feeling of playing international football. It was the first time I had this sense of play at this level. It was full of emotion and pride for me and my family. In the first few days, I tried to get used to everything, because I sometimes find it a little strange to talk to people I don’t know, but everyone was very welcoming.
I even had friends in common with some players who were already playing in England, such as Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi. Everyone was really very friendly, and as the course progressed, I became familiar with everyone.
We now need to focus on the World Cup qualifiers as well as the AFCON 2025. After the last competition, our goal is to progress and triumph. I think we have enough talent. The quality of our team is probably the best in Africa. It is time to say this on the big stage,” the former Reading man said in quotes revealed by Les News.
The AFCON 2025 tournament will be held in Morocco from 21st December, 2025 to 18th January, 2026 and will feature 32 African teams.