Former Nigeria international Mutiu Adepoju has urged the Super Eagles to show they have enough quality to deliver in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures despite the absence of star player Victor Osimhen. Osimhen has been ruled out of Nigeria’s matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau due to a lingering muscle injury. Adepoju acknowledged Osimhen’s importance but emphasized that his absence should not affect Nigeria’s approach to the qualifiers.
Adepoju believes Nigeria has other quality players who can step up and fill the void left by Osimhen. The former Real Madrid midfielder stated that Osimhen’s absence presents an opportunity for other squad members to take responsibility and contribute to the team’s campaign. He encouraged the players to use the upcoming campaign to restore confidence among supporters, especially after Nigeria’s recent disappointment in failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, will have to find an effective attacking combination without Osimhen, who is one of the team’s leading attacking options. Taiwo Awoniyi has been recalled as Osimhen’s replacement, while Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, and Samuel Chukwueze are among the attacking options available to Chelle. Adepoju reminded the players of Nigeria’s recent setback and urged them to make Nigerians proud by qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Super Eagles will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 27, before travelling to Bissau for their encounter with Guinea-Bissau on September 29. Adepoju emphasized that the players know what happened with the World Cup and now have another opportunity to make a positive impact. He encouraged them to seize this chance and show that they have enough quality to succeed.
Adepoju’s comments come as a timely reminder to the Super Eagles players, who are eager to make a strong impression in the qualifiers. The team’s recent disappointment in failing to qualify for the World Cup has left a sour taste, and the players will be keen to restore confidence among supporters. With Osimhen unavailable, Chelle will have to be creative in his team selection and tactics.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers are an important milestone for the Super Eagles, and Adepoju’s words of encouragement are expected to resonate with the players. Nigeria’s football fans are eagerly anticipating the team’s performances in the qualifiers, and the players will be under pressure to deliver a positive result. Adepoju’s experience and insight will be invaluable to the team as they navigate this critical phase.
As the Super Eagles prepare to face Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, Adepoju’s message serves as a timely reminder of the team’s capabilities and potential. With a strong squad and a determined approach, Nigeria can still achieve a positive outcome in the qualifiers despite Osimhen’s absence. The team’s performance will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike, and Adepoju’s words will be ringing in the players’ ears as they take to the pitch.
Key points
- Former Nigeria international Mutiu Adepoju urges Super Eagles to make up for Victor Osimhen’s absence in 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
- Adepoju believes Nigeria has other quality players who can step up and fill the void left by Osimhen.
- The Super Eagles will host Madagascar on September 27 and travel to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
