Super Eagles
Super Eagles legend Etim Esin cries over the over-reliance on Victor Osimhen for goals at the national team; npflupdates.com reports.
Osimhen in one embodiment way or the other contributed to at least half of the goals scored by the Super Eagles during the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. And the over-reliance on the 25-year-old for goals is becoming worrying, according to Esin.
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Esin who was regarded as one of the best Nigerian players of his generation, argued that forwards are supposed to score goals almost on every match-days.
What Etim Esin said about Super Eagles and Victor Osimhen
“Osimhen can only play his part. What happens if he gets injured? Does that mean we won’t score? It’s very worrying. A striker playing the number nine role must score consistently for his country—that’s the standard worldwide. You can’t play four games for your country without scoring a goal; it doesn’t make sense.
“Boniface, for instance, has been given numerous opportunities, but he still can’t score for Nigeria. This is becoming a major concern. Does it mean Eguavoen cannot rely on any other striker? Or are we saying that if Osimhen doesn’t score, then Nigeria won’t score?”
Speaking further, the 58-year-old reveals that over-reliance on Osimhen will take the Super Eagles nowhere in world football.
“In any tournament, you must depend on your strikers to deliver. If we keep relying solely on Osimhen, it will get us nowhere.
“I played alongside great strikers like the late Rashidi Yekini, Samson Siasia, and Richard Owubokiri. They delivered for both club and country. Boniface is prolific in Germany, but when it comes to Nigeria, he keeps missing chances. We need to address this issue before AFCON 2025; otherwise, we will have a big problem,” the 58-year-old said in an interview with Complete Sports.
Creative Midfielders Lacking In The Super Eagles
Esin also highlighted the need for creative midfielders in the Super Eagles. According to the for Lierse man, Nigeria lacks naturally gifted playmakers characterised by magic touches.
“Another issue is the lack of a creative midfielder — a proper number 10 who can orchestrate plays, provide assists, and unsettle opposing teams.
“That magic touch of players like Jay-Jay Okocha, Henry Nwosu, or even myself is missing. We don’t have naturally gifted playmakers anymore. Everyone is just average,” he said.
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“For instance, people keep talking about Iwobi, but he can’t do half of what Okocha did. That comparison doesn’t hold water,” the former Super Eagles playmaker ended saying.
