Former Nigeria international Mutiu Adepoju has called on the Super Eagles to demonstrate their ability to win without key player Victor Osimhen. Osimhen will miss Nigeria's opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau due to a muscle injury. Adepoju emphasized that Osimhen's absence should not affect the team's approach to the qualifiers. He noted that Nigeria has other quality players who can fill the gap.
Adepoju, a former Real Madrid midfielder, believes that Osimhen's absence presents an opportunity for other squad members to take responsibility and contribute to the team's campaign. He stressed that the team should not make excuses for Osimhen's absence. The Super Eagles will face Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25, before travelling to Bissau to take on Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
The Super Eagles have been dealt a blow with the news that Osimhen will not be available for the qualifiers. Head coach Eric Chelle will have to find the right attacking combination without one of his key players. 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 also reminded the players of Nigeria's recent disappointment after failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He urged them to use the upcoming campaign to restore confidence among supporters. The players are aware of the importance of qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations, according to Adepoju. He encouraged them to make Nigerians proud by securing a spot in the tournament.
The Super Eagles will be looking to bounce back from their World Cup qualifying disappointment. Adepoju's comments highlight the need for the team to adapt to Osimhen's absence. The team has other quality players who can contribute to their success, according to Adepoju. The upcoming matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau will be crucial in determining the team's chances of qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Super Eagles have a challenging task ahead of them in the qualifiers. Head coach Eric Chelle will need to make tactical decisions to ensure the team's success. The team's attacking options, including Lookman, Simon, and Chukwueze, will be crucial in the absence of Osimhen. The Super Eagles will need to be at their best to secure victories against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers will be an important test for the Super Eagles. Adepoju's comments serve as a reminder of the team's capabilities and the need to adapt to challenges. The team's performance in the qualifiers will be closely watched by supporters and critics alike. The Super Eagles will need to demonstrate their quality and resilience to secure a spot in the tournament.
Key points
- Mutiu Adepoju urges Super Eagles to cope with Victor Osimhen's absence in 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
- Osimhen will miss Nigeria's fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau due to a muscle injury.
- The Super Eagles will face Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.
