As the countdown to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco begins, two of Africa’s biggest football stars, Victor Osimhen and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, have confidently backed themselves to shine as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have high hopes heading into the competition, especially after captain William Troost-Ekong’s stunning MVP win at the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire. Defying all odds, Troost-Ekong not only anchored Nigeria’s defense but also netted three crucial goals, leading his team to their first AFCON final in a decade. His triumph made him the first defender since Cameroon’s Rigobert Song in 2002 to win the MVP award.

Now, as the next edition looms, Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen, the reigning African Footballer of the Year and all-time top African scorer in Serie A, is setting his sights on the prestigious individual accolade. “Myself,” Osimhen boldly declared when asked by CAF about his pick for Player of the Tournament.

The Galatasaray striker will be making his third AFCON appearance, having previously earned a bronze medal in 2019 and a silver in 2023. For Osimhen, the MVP title would cap off what has already been a stellar career trajectory.

Not to be outdone, Gabonese veteran Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Gabon’s all-time leading scorer and former African Footballer of the Year, also threw his name into the ring. “If I’m there, I will be the player of the tournament. Write it down,” the 36-year-old confidently stated.

While both players are setting their sights on glory, the competition will be fierce. With 24 nations vying for the trophy, stars like Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, and Ivorian striker Sébastien Haller will also be in the spotlight.

As the footballing world eagerly awaits December, the question remains: Will Osimhen or Aubameyang rise to the occasion, or will another star emerge as Africa’s standout player?