Nigerian football legend Sunday Oliseh has voiced concerns about the Super Eagles‘ heavy dependence on Victor Osimhen as they aim for World Cup qualification.
Oliseh, a revered figure in Nigerian football history, emphasized the necessity for a well-rounded and tactical approach as the team prepares for the upcoming World Cup playoff clashes. He advocated for bolstering the defensive line to alleviate the burden on Osimhen’s goal-scoring responsibilities.
At 26, Osimhen remains the cornerstone of coach Eric Chelle‘s squad. His outstanding hat-trick against the Benin Republic was pivotal in securing Nigeria’s playoff berth, especially after a shaky start to the qualifiers during his absence.
Data shows that Nigeria won four out of five matches with Osimhen on the field, while failing to secure a victory in any of the five games he missed. Given the striker’s injury record, relying exclusively on his scoring could prove precarious in critical knockout fixtures like the playoffs.
Insights from Oliseh
Addressing the potential impact of Osimhen missing playoff matches due to injury, Oliseh underscored the critical need for defensive resilience over offensive firepower.
“Playoff games are distinct; they are high-stakes encounters. The focus should be on minimizing the opponent’s scoring opportunities rather than simply outscoring them,” Oliseh remarked during his interview on Penalty Spot with Toyo.
“In knockout stages, the game plan should revolve around scoring early and then shifting to a solid defensive posture to disrupt the opposition’s flow. Each match demands a calculated and strategic approach.”
Having represented Nigeria at the 1994 World Cup, Oliseh cautioned against placing all hopes on Osimhen alone, urging the entire squad to step up their game.
“Although Osimhen is undeniably vital, it’s unwise to hinge our entire World Cup campaign on one player. We must be ready for situations where he might not be available,” he stated.
“Consider the recent AFCON tournament as an example-Osimhen scored only once, yet the team advanced to the final. This highlights the squad’s depth beyond any single individual. Players must trust their own capabilities and not view an Osimhen injury as a fatal setback to qualification.”
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“From a nationalistic perspective, the team must have faith in their collective strength. Realistically, Osimhen’s absence would be a major disadvantage, especially as we prepare to face Gabon in the opening playoff fixture.”
“Gabon features one of Africa’s most talented and experienced players, often underrated-Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. We need our own on-field commander, our ‘field general’ in Osimhen, to be fit and ready to confront that challenge.”
“Currently, Osimhen is unquestionably the leader on the pitch for the Super Eagles. His fitness is crucial for our triumph.”