Nigerian soccer sensation Victor Osimhen is keeping his team's spirits high while maintaining a laser-sharp focus on their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign, cautioning teammates against premature celebration.

The 27-year-old Galatasaray striker, who recently captained the Super Eagles to a commanding 3-1 victory against Uganda, understands the delicate balance between confidence and complacency. With Nigeria entering the round of 16 after a perfect group stage performance, Osimhen is determined to keep his team grounded and hungry for success.

"The round of 16 is going to be even tougher than the group stages," Osimhen told ESPN, emphasizing the team's preparedness and respect for their upcoming opponent, Mozambique. "We respect any team that scales through, but we are not scared of anybody. It has been a long time since this trophy came to Nigeria, and the boys are passing a clear message that we came here to get the trophy."

Despite earning nine points in their opening three games and being crowned the 2023 African Player of The Year, Osimhen remains pragmatic. "We don't get carried away by the hype. We still have a lot of work to do," he cautioned, embodying a team-first mentality that could be crucial to their tournament success.

Coach Eric Chelle's strategic rotations, including Osimhen's calculated 87-minute appearance against Uganda while carrying a yellow card, demonstrate the team's tactical sophistication. "I can't question the coach's tactics," Osimhen stated, highlighting the squad's unity and trust in leadership.

With key players like Amas Obasogie, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and others yet to see tournament play, and unfortunate injuries to players like Ryan Alebiosu, the Super Eagles remain resilient and focused on their ultimate goal: bringing the AFCON trophy back to Nigeria.