The Osimhen absence has created a major talking point ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. However, former Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju believes Nigeria still has enough quality to cope without Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen will miss Nigeria’s opening qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau after his recovery from a muscle injury took longer than expected. His absence removes one of the team’s biggest attacking threats, but Adepoju insists the Super Eagles must find a way to deliver.
Adepoju backs Super Eagles despite Osimhen absence
Adepoju acknowledged the importance of Osimhen but rejected the idea that Nigeria should use his absence as an excuse.
“Unfortunately, Osimhen will not be available because everybody knows his quality and what he brings to the team,” Adepoju said.
“But Nigeria have other quality players who can do the job. His absence should not be an excuse.”
Osimhen has scored 35 goals in 52 appearances for Nigeria, making his contribution to the national team significant. Nevertheless, Adepoju believes the squad has enough attacking options to compete without the Galatasaray striker.
Awoniyi returns as Osimhen replacement
Nigeria has recalled Taiwo Awoniyi to replace Osimhen in the squad. The Coventry City striker returns to the Super Eagles setup for the first time since 2024.
Awoniyi joins an attacking group featuring Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze.
That gives head coach Éric Chelle several options as Nigeria prepares for its first two AFCON qualifying fixtures.
The Osimhen absence could therefore give other forwards an opportunity to establish themselves and contribute more prominently to the national team.
[Internal Link: Taiwo Awoniyi’s Super Eagles return]
Super Eagles have World Cup disappointment to overcome
Adepoju also pointed to Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as an additional source of motivation for the players.
According to the former international, the squad understands what happened during the World Cup qualification campaign and now has another opportunity to give Nigerian supporters something to celebrate.
“The players know what happened with the World Cup,” Adepoju said. “They have another opportunity now to make Nigerians proud by qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations.”
Nigeria will begin its campaign against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25. The Super Eagles will then travel to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
[Internal Link: Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 qualifying fixtures]
Nigeria must find attacking solutions
The Osimhen absence undoubtedly changes Nigeria’s attacking options, but it also places greater responsibility on the other forwards in Chelle’s squad.
Awoniyi could receive an important opportunity following his return, while Arokodare and Adams can also compete for attacking roles. Lookman, Simon and Chukwueze provide additional options from wider positions.
For Adepoju, the key issue is not who replaces Osimhen individually but whether the team can collectively maintain its quality.
Key Highlights
- Victor Osimhen will miss Nigeria’s opening AFCON qualifiers.
- Mutiu Adepoju says his absence should not become an excuse.
- Taiwo Awoniyi has returned to the Super Eagles squad.
- Nigeria will face Madagascar in Uyo on September 25.
- Guinea-Bissau will host Nigeria on September 29.
- The qualifiers give Nigeria an opportunity to respond after missing the 2026 World Cup.
Conclusion
The Osimhen absence leaves Nigeria without one of its most productive forwards, but Mutiu Adepoju believes the Super Eagles have enough quality to cope.
With Awoniyi back in the squad and several other attacking options available, Chelle will now have to find the right combination for the opening AFCON qualifiers. Nigeria’s response against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau will show how effectively the team can adapt without its leading striker.
External Source: Nigeria Football Federation — official Super Eagles and AFCON qualification updates.
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