Former Nigeria international Obafemi Martins believes the Super Eagles must create stronger competition for places in attack to reduce their dependence on Victor Osimhen.
Nigeria’s struggles without the Galatasaray striker during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers exposed what Martins considers a major weakness in the team, with the Super Eagles failing to win any of the five matches Osimhen missed.
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During that spell, Nigeria were held to draws by Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa twice, while they also suffered a shock defeat to the Republic of Benin.
The Super Eagles eventually secured a place in the African play-offs, but their World Cup hopes were ultimately ended by the Democratic Republic of Congo, who prevailed on penalties.
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Osimhen was unavailable to take a spot-kick after being substituted at half-time because of an injury, with Akor Adams replacing him in the game.
For Martins, the solution is not to take anything away from Osimhen but to ensure there are quality alternatives capable of pushing the Galatasaray forward for his place.
The former Inter Milan and Newcastle United striker pointed to the intense competition he experienced during his own time with the Super Eagles, when he had to compete with the likes of Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Osaze Odemwingie and Julius Aghahowa.
Speaking on Mikel Obi’s ‘The Obi One Podcast’, Martins explained how that competition helped maintain a high level within the squad.
“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 will be on the bench waiting. I know if he is out and I score, I am going to start the next game. We are always like that. We do not hate each other because of that.”
Martins defends Osimhen
While calling for greater competition, Martins also urged Nigerians to appreciate what Osimhen brings to the national team, insisting the striker’s passionate personality should not be mistaken for a poor attitude.
“You cannot keep him quiet. I think that is what is keeping him going as well, because the way he behaves does not mean he has a stinking attitude,” Martins said.
“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 currently has 35 international goals, leaving him just two goals short of matching Rashidi Yekini’s record as Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer.
The 27-year-old has also continued his impressive form at club level, with Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk revealing that the Turkish champions have adjusted their build-up play to get the Nigerian into more dangerous attacking positions.
The tactical adjustment has already produced multiple direct goal contributions for Osimhen in three consecutive matches, including an assist and a penalty in Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over Göztepe at the weekend.
He has now scored five goals alongside 2 assists in three league appearances this season and is already on course to surpass the 15 league goals he managed during the previous campaign.
Osimhen waiting for Manchester United?
Meanwhile, former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has claimed that Osimhen remains keen on a move to Old Trafford despite reported interest from Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
Saha believes the Nigerian’s admiration for Manchester United could play a role in his future, insisting the striker is still waiting for the Premier League giants to make their move.
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“I know for a fact that Victor Osimhen is a Manchester United fan. He loves Man United,” Saha said.
“All United have to do is make the connection, but that is why it has not happened yet. Osimhen is still waiting.”
With Osimhen continuing to deliver goals for club and country, Martins’ message to Nigeria is clear: the Super Eagles must build an attack strong enough to compete even when their leading striker is unavailable.
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