Football
Exclusive: Ex-International Adepoju tips Super Eagles To Soar Minus Star Striker Victor Osimhen
Ex-Nigeria international Mutiu Adepoju remains confident in the Super Eagles' depth and resilience as they face Libya in AFCON qualifiers without star striker Victor Osimhen. With options like Taiwo Awoniyi and Victor Boniface, the team aims to secure victory
Image Credits: Seskim Photo/MB Media/Getty Images
The Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, has been dealt a significant blow with the news that Victor Osimhen will miss the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers due to injury.
This is the second time in 2024 that the Galatasaray striker will be sidelined from international duty due to injuries sustained during club activities.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles will confront Libya in a double clash in Nigeria and Libya. The first game is scheduled for Friday, 11th October and the reverse fixture, four days later in Benghazi.
However, according to ex-international Mutiu Adepoju, the team is well-equipped to cope with Osimhen’s absence. "Osimhen is an important player in the team, but there are also many other important players in the squad,” Adepoju noted in an exclusive interview with SportsBoom.com.
“If he cannot play as a result of injury, there are others, who can be suitable replacements pending the time that Victor is out.”
Adepoju, who had a storied career with the Super Eagles, emphasised that the team’s success should not hinge solely on one player.
The game of football is also characterised by injuries; anybody can get injured. So, the team would not crack or go down because someone is injured. That is the reason why there are so many players that are available for call up to the national team.
Mutiu Adepoju
The Impact of Osimhen’s Absence
Despite Adepoju’s reassurances, Osimhen’s absence will undoubtedly be felt. The 25-year-old striker has been in phenomenal form for both club and country, netting 15 goals in 22 appearances for the Super Eagles.
His pace, power, and clinical finishing have made him a nightmare for opposing defenders.
Osimhen’s goal scoring exploits have been crucial to the Super Eagles’ success in recent years. His ability to hold up the ball, create chances for his teammates, and score important goals has made him an irreplaceable asset to the team.
During the last international break, Osimhen came in as a substitute to score against Benin Republic in Uyo. And during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, Osimhen scored four crucial goals, helping the Super Eagles reach the final round of qualifying.
His performances earned him the prestigious African Footballer of the Year award.
Past Glories: Osimhen’s Super Eagles Record
Since making his debut in 2017, Osimhen has consistently delivered for the Super Eagles. Some of his notable performances include:
- 2022 World Cup qualifiers: 4 goals in 6 appearances
- 2021 Africa Cup of Nations: 3 goals in 4 appearances
- 2019 Africa Cup of Nations: 2 goals in 5 appearances
Osimhen’s impressive record has made him a fan favourite among Nigerian football enthusiasts. His work rate, determination, and passion for the national team have endeared him to many.
Coach Eguavoen’s Plan B
Coach Augustine Eguavoen will need to rely on other attacking options to fill the void left by Osimhen's injury. With adequate planning and team adjustments, the Super Eagles can still soar to success in the AFCON qualifiers.
Eguavoen has a plethora of talented strikers at his disposal, including: Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface who has hit the ground running in the bundesliga and newly invited Chidera Ejuke.
Adepoju believes that Eguavoen has made necessary adjustments to fit the gaps left by Osimhen. “The coach has been working on different patterns and strategies to ensure the team's success, regardless of who is available,” he explained.
Team Dynamics and Squad Depth
The Super Eagles’ squad is blessed with an abundance of talent, experience, and depth. Players like Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and William Troost-Ekong will be crucial in providing leadership and stability in Osimhen’s absence.
Adepoju stressed the importance of teamwork and collective effort. “Football is a team sport, and when one player is injured, others must step up to fill the gap. The Super Eagles have the quality and depth to overcome this setback.”
The Road Ahead
The Super Eagles face a challenging road ahead in the AFCON qualifiers. With Osimhen’s injury, the team will need to rely on their squad depth and resilience to navigate the upcoming matches.
Adepoju remains optimistic about the team’s chances. “The Super Eagles have a strong squad, and with the right mindset and strategy, they can overcome the loss of Osimhen. The team will not crack or go down because someone is injured.”
As the Super Eagles prepare to take on their next challenge against Libya, one thing is certain – the absence of Victor Osimhen will be felt, but it will not define the fate of the team.
Jeremiah Omoniyi is a developmental sports Journalist with over five years of experience writing about grassroots and international football and sporting events. Jeremiah’s forte in sports journalism are feature writing and interviews which he has done to a reasonable amount within his home country, Nigeria.