AFCON 2025
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Now that the dust has settled on Nigeria’s painful World Cup playoff exit to DR Congo, some hard truths have to be said.
The Super Eagles became far too dependent on Victor Osimhen, and in the end, one man, however brilliant, simply couldn’t do it all.
When Osimhen played, Nigeria looked like a proper team. He scored five goals in the final three qualifiers, dragging the side almost single-handedly to the decisive tie. His power, movement, and finishing gave the attack shape and confidence.
At just 26, he’s already closing in on Rashidi Yekini’s all-time Nigeria scoring record of 37 goals, sitting on 31 and counting. However, whenever he was missing or taken off, the rest of the forwards went quiet.
Victor Boniface, once tipped as the “next Osimhen,” is yet to score in a Nigeria shirt. Cyriel Dessers, Paul Onuachu, Taiwo Awoniyi, Gift Orban, Terem Moffi, none have shown they can lead the line when it matters.
Even Ademola Lookman, who has been sensational for Nigeria over the past three years, struggled badly in these qualifiers, as Osimhen’s presence drew defenders away.
The final proof came against DR Congo. Nigeria led 1-0 when Osimhen was forced off at half-time with injury. Substitutes Tolu Arokodare and Akor Adams offered almost nothing. The team collapsed, conceded late, and lost on penalties.
As Yakubu Ayegbeni said in a recent interview, the overdependency on Osimhen cost Nigeria the World Cup ticket.
“We have like 4 other strikers in the team, but we only have 1 striker; that’s Victor Osimhen. The other ones wey dey there, I think dem just dey happy to come to Nigeria say ‘I dey for national team’…”
Until Nigeria builds a genuine attacking unit instead of relying on one superstar staying fit, this story will keep repeating itself.
