When Austin Eguavoen stated point blank that the Super Eagles without Victor Osimhen is a “setback”, it appeared he inadvertently threw his team – and selected forwards – under the bus before an important game.
Eguavoen’s comment ringed similar to a prized slugger throwing in the towel before the fight against an underdog. It felt like a rehearsed rebuttal, but whatever was intended – open sincerity or mind games – it could surely leave a bad taste.
Nigeria’s interim head coach, Austin Eguavoen during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier against Benin Republic. Photo | X
Especially his tongue in cheek reference to the “other players who can do the job” – a political response.
The datum shows Nigeria’s performances without Osimhen, since his rise in the team – after the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations – is underwhelmingly staggering.
When he was not in the squad – or left on the bench – Nigeria recorded 15 loses, 6 draws and managed a meagre 5 wins.
On the other hand, the Super Eagles picked up 16 wins, 9 draws and only lost 3 games whenever Osimhen featured.
Stats shows Victor Osimhen’s impact in the Super Eagles.
A stark contrast between the two situations and surely a cause for concern if you are coach of the team, but a necessary impetus to make adjustments.
Afterall, in Nigeria’s run to the 2023 AFCON final in Cote d’ivoire, Ademola Lookman scored a team-high 3 goals, and this season has already registered a goal in the qualifiers and has 6-goal involvement at club level with Atalanta.
The Super Eagles squad for this month’s games against Libya also has Victor Boniface – 6 goals, 1 assist for Bayer Leverkusen.
Victor Boniface. Photo | NigeriaWorld
These players now have the responsibility of dispelling the notion that the Super Eagles is all about Osimhen.
Nigeria and Libya will clash in Uyo this Friday and four days later in Benghazi, where six points from these fixtures means Super Eagles might need just one point to secure qualification to the tournament proper.
