Osimhen’s absence should not be Eagles’ excuse, says Adepoju

Former Nigeria international, Mutiu Adepoju, has urged the Super Eagles to make up for Victor Osimhen’s absence by showing they have enough quality to deliver in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures.

Osimhen has been ruled out of Nigeria’s matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau after taking longer than expected to recover from a muscle injury, leaving head coach Eric Chelle without one of his leading attacking options.

Adepoju acknowledged the Galatasaray striker’s importance but said his absence should not affect Nigeria’s approach to the qualifiers.

“Unfortunately, Osimhen will not be available because everybody knows his quality and what he brings to the team,” Adepoju said.

“But Nigeria has other quality players who can do the job. His absence should not be an excuse.”

The former Real Madrid midfielder believes the situation presents an opportunity for other squad members to take responsibility and contribute to the team’s campaign.

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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, urging them to use the upcoming campaign to restore confidence among supporters.

“The players know what happened with the World Cup,” he said. “They have another opportunity now to make Nigerians proud by qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations.”

Nigeria will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday, September 25, before travelling to Bissau for their encounter with Guinea-Bissau on September 29.

With Osimhen unavailable, Chelle will be expected to find an effective attacking combination as the Eagles begin their quest for qualification.