Super Eagles Need More Than Osimhen for Goals, Warns Ex-Nigeria Player

• Etim Esin has urged the Super Eagles to stop its over-dependence on Victor Osimhen for goals in the national team
• The former Nigeria international has called for a more balanced attacking approach in the Super Eagles inclusive of other players
• Nigeria risks not qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after dropping points against South Africa and Benin in the qualifiers

Etim Esin has raised concern over the Super Eagles' over-dependence on Victor Osimhen for goals following the team’s poor showing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The Napoli striker, who was nursing a muscle injury, was missing as Nigeria dropped crucial points against South Africa and Benin and now risks missing a second consecutive World Cup tournament.

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According to The Punch, Esin noted that the Super Eagles' goal-scoring burden should not rest solely on Osimhen’s shoulders as he called for a more diversified attacking strategy.

“Back then, we used to have multiple sources for our goals, but now it seems to come either through Osimhen or his work. That is not acceptable in this modern era of football.

“So, if Osimhen doesn’t play, we can’t have goals? He should even be rested in some of these games, like against Benin, even if he was fit, he should have been rested. That is how football is played, good link-up plays and goals coming from all corners of the team.”

Esin's remarks came amid persistent speculation on the feud between Osimhen and the embattled former Super Eagles coach, Finidi George.

NFF denies ban on Osimhen

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has refuted reports that they had slammed a ban on Osimhen following his social media rant against former coach Finidi, Vanguard reports.

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The NFF issued the disclaimer on Wednesday, June 19, describing such rumours as outright falsehood, further disclosing that the body has neither instructed a process nor has a process been concluded to ban the Napoli forward from the Super Eagles.

Osimhen has received major backlash from some supporters and journalists following his outburst with ex-international, Idah Peterside advising the striker to apologize for his behaviour.

NFF urged not to ban Osimhen

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Gbenga Okunowo has urged the NFF to approach disgruntled Osimhen with understanding and not in a confrontational way to resolve the current crises.

The former Nigeria player urged the football body to address the issue with caution, warning against severe punishments like handing a ban to the Napoli striker.