AFCON 2025: John Obi Mikel backs Victor Osimhen to finish as Top Scorer

Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has tipped Victor Osimhen to emerge as the top scorer at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Osimhen has been one of Nigeria’s standout players at the tournament, scoring three goals and providing one assist in four matches as the Super Eagles progressed to the quarter-finals.

Speaking on his podcast, The Obi One, Mikel highlighted several Nigerian stars who have impressed him during the competition, singling out Osimhen, captain Wilfred Ndidi, Ademola Lookman, and Alex Iwobi for special praise.

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“I’d like to see Victor Osimhen win the highest goalscorer because he deserves it,” Mikel said. “Ademola Lookman is also playing really well. Both of them are absolutely on fire.”

The former Chelsea midfielder also reserved glowing words for the midfield duo of Iwobi and Ndidi, noting their importance to the team’s balance and attacking rhythm.

“Alex Iwobi has been absolutely fantastic in this tournament,” Mikel explained. “I’ve been waiting for this from him for a long time. Finally, we’re seeing the Alex Iwobi we all know — everything goes through him, he’s creating chances and making those passes. Of course, Ndidi, the captain, is the mainstay who keeps the balance.”

Looking ahead to Nigeria’s quarter-final showdown against Algeria on Saturday, Mikel acknowledged the difficulty of the fixture and urged the team to remain fully focused.

“We have to approach it the right way because it’s going to be a very difficult game against Algeria,” he said. “They are very aggressive, play as a unit, and have quality players. We have to be on our A-game.”

Mikel also stressed the importance of resolving any off-field issues to avoid distractions ahead of the crucial encounter.

“There shouldn’t be any hindrance, distraction, or negativity,” he added. “Whatever the players have been promised needs to be sorted out before this game. If everything is right, I believe we can go all the way and win the tournament.”

The Super Eagles will face Algeria with a place in the AFCON semi-finals at stake, as hopes remain high for continental glory and individual accolades for Nigeria’s star performers.