A former Super Eagles star has stepped forward with crucial advice for head coach Eric Chelle, naming the ideal players to partner with star striker Victor Osimhen in Nigeria's attack for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Okoduwa's Blueprint for Super Eagles' Attack
Former Arsenal Kyiv and First Bank striker, Emmanuel Okoduwa, has broken down the optimal forward line for the national team. In an interview highlighted by Footy Africa, Okoduwa described Osimhen as "the undisputed star of the team and one of the best strikers in the world at the moment." He stated it is a straightforward decision for the Galatasaray forward to lead the line.
Okoduwa's recommended setup involves deploying the current CAF Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, on the left wing. On the opposite flank, he suggests in-form Fulham winger Samuel Chukwueze should provide support from the right. "I think Eric Chelle will go with Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman on the left side of the attack, while on-loan Fulham winger Samuel Chukwueze, who is in good form at the moment, supports Osimhen from the right," Okoduwa explained.
Osimhen's Stellar Form and AFCON Group Challenge
The recommendation comes as Nigeria prepares for a tough Group C at AFCON 2025 in Morocco, where they will face Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda. Osimhen's form makes him central to any success. Despite missing Nigeria's first four 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the 26-year-old finished the campaign with six goals in just five appearances. This remarkable haul included a hat-trick against Benin Republic on the final matchday.
He continued his prolific scoring in the World Cup playoffs, netting a brace against Gabon. His partnership with Chukwueze has already shown promise, with the AC Milan winger providing two assists for Osimhen during the qualifier against Benin at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
High Stakes and Clear Targets for Chelle
The Nigeria Football Federation has set a high bar for Coach Eric Chelle. Reports indicate the target is to match or exceed Nigeria's performance from the last edition, where the team finished as runners-up after losing in the final in Côte d'Ivoire. This pressure makes selecting the most effective attacking trio paramount.
Okoduwa expressed strong confidence in his proposed lineup for the opening match against Tanzania. "I strongly believe this is how the Super Eagles will line up for what promises to be a very tough opening game, but I expect Nigeria to come out on top," the former Enosis Neon Paralimni star said.
Meanwhile, Osimhen is set to miss the international friendly against Egypt scheduled for December 16. His absence highlights the need to solidify attacking plans well ahead of the continental tournament, ensuring the team can fire on all cylinders when he returns.
