Former Nigeria international, Obafemi Martins, has called on the Super Eagles to develop greater competition in attack to prevent the team from becoming overly dependent on Victor Osimhen.
Nigeria’s struggles without Osimhen were evident during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, as the Super Eagles failed to record a victory in all five matches the striker missed through injury.
During that period, Nigeria played out draws against Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa twice, while also suffering a surprise defeat to Benin Republic.
The results left the Super Eagles needing the African playoffs to keep their World Cup hopes alive. However, their campaign eventually ended in disappointment after DR Congo defeated Nigeria on penalties.
Osimhen was unable to participate in the decisive shootout after being withdrawn at half-time because of an injury, with Akor Adams taking his place in the penalty sequence.
Martins believes Nigeria must have quality alternatives capable of challenging Osimhen for his place, just as he experienced during his own international career.
Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Martins recalled the competition he faced from Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Osaze Odemwingie and Julius Aghahowa.
“You need someone that is going to compete with all the players, not just Osimhen.
“My own time, we had Yakubu there. If Yakubu starts the game, I’ll be on the bench waiting.
“I know if he’s out and I score, I’m going to start the next game. We’re always like that. We don’t hate each other because of that.”
The former Inter Milan forward also defended Osimhen’s passionate personality, insisting that his emotional nature should not automatically be interpreted as a negative attitude.
“You cannot keep him quiet. I think that’s what is keeping him going as well because the way he behaves does not mean he has a stinking attitude. That’s how he can play, so the majority of people don’t understand that.
“Seeing him is a blessing in the national team as a Nigerian. We should try to make him happy and let him score more goals.”
Osimhen has scored 35 goals for Nigeria and is now only two goals short of equalling Rashidi Yekini’s record as the country’s highest-ever goalscorer.
