Victor Osimhen will not be part of Nigeria’s squad when they play Tanzania home and away in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series.
Osimhen reportedly suffered a left knee strain during Galatasaray’s UEFA Champions League match against VfB Stuttgart.
He underwent arthroscopic knee surgery last week and the Turkish club is yet to announce an exact return date, although he is expected to be sidelined for a couple of weeks.
This is the second successive international break that Osimhen will not be representing the Super Eagles.
It has led to a lot of conspiracy theories.
“Fans are entitled to their opinions as they consider themselves custodians of the beautiful game,” Ope Adebari, a sports analyst, reporter and producer with News Central, tells DAILY POST.
“However, I expect pundits to critically analyse situations before jumping into conclusions.
“During the last international window between September and October, Victor Osimhen made sure he was present in Uyo for the game between Nigeria and Madagascar despite being injured.
“Since making his competitive debut for Nigeria, Victor Osimhen has never turned down an opportunity to represent Nigeria in a competitive match.
“There might be some truth to him making himself unavailable for friendly games but I do not think that warrants fans or pundits to question his commitment to the Super Eagles,” he added.
The simple truth is that the Super Eagles have become heavily reliant on Osimhen’s presence and talents.
He is their talisman. The one that drives the team forward with passion and courage. The one that scores the key goals.
Other strikers have tried to fill in his shoes and failed.
“The truth is, we do not have any other top striker besides Victor Osimhen,” Adebari said.
“Some would even say he is world-class.
“However, what is clear is the gulf in quality between Victor Osimhen and Nigeria’s other striking options.
“For now, the next best striking options for Nigeria in my opinion are Akor Adams and George Ilenikhena, but the latter was not called up.
“I consider the duo mentioned as the next best options because they manage to thrive in Eric Chelle’s do or die diamond formation.
“Every other striker that has been called up by Eric Chelle has struggled to hit the ground running in his system.
“So asides the quality of the players, the system of play does not help to utilise the attributes of the other striking options.”
With or without Osimhen, Eric Chelle has to pick up maximum points in the two fixtures against Tanzania.
Madagascar’s 1-1 draw with Guinea-Bissau on Thursday, has handed a big boost to Nigeria and there is no margin for error.
“Judging by the squad selection, for the first ever in my opinion, Eric Chelle has assembled a team that can execute his diamond formation in the best way possible,” Adebari said.
“I say this because eight midfielders of different unique profiles have been called up.
“However, the question is, would Eric Chelle deploy the midfielders called up or continue to make natural wingers play as inverted midfielders?
“Whatever team Eric Chelle decides to use must help him secure victory in the two games because one draw or loss will most likely end the dreams of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
“The double header against Tanzania could determine if Eric Chelle gets the boot or gets to sign a new contract,” he further stated.