Analyst defends Osimhen amid criticism from Nigerian fans
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Daily Post
Sports analyst Ope Adebari defends Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian Galatasaray striker whose absence against Tanzania has raised questions among supporters. He recalls that the player joined the national team despite an injury during the previous international break and believes his commitment to the Super Eagles should not be questioned.
Nigerian sports analyst Ope Adebari believes criticism of Victor Osimhen, the Galatasaray and Nigeria striker, is not enough to call his commitment to the Super Eagles into question. He recalls that Osimhen travelled to Uyo to face Madagascar during the previous international window despite being injured, according to comments reported by Daily Post.
Adebari considers it possible that Osimhen made himself unavailable for some friendly matches, but believes this does not justify questions about his commitment in competitive matches. The Nigerian striker is currently missing Nigeria’s two matches against Tanzania in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after a left knee injury and arthroscopic surgery, according to Daily Post.
The analyst also believes Nigeria relies heavily on Osimhen and that the gap in quality with the other strikers limits the options available to coach Eric Chelle. He names Akor Adams and George Ilenikhena among the best alternatives, while believing that the system used by Chelle does not favour the qualities of the other strikers.
Osimhen’s absence comes as the Super Eagles play for their qualification for AFCON 2027. It also follows the revelation of the length of Victor Osimhen’s absence on 9 November.
