Former Super Eagles coach and captain Sunday Oliseh has offered a strong defence of striker Victor Osimhen, who has managed to score only once so far at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Oliseh Praises Osimhen's Team-First Mentality
The Galatasaray forward found the net in Nigeria's second group match against Tunisia, also providing an assist for Ademola Lookman. Despite leading the attack in all three Group C matches, including captaining the side in the final game against Uganda, Osimhen's goal tally remains at a single strike.
Oliseh, however, sees beyond the statistics. The Ajax and Juventus legend highlighted Osimhen's evolving role, particularly in the match against the Cranes of Uganda, which Nigeria won with goals from Paul Onuachu and a Raphael Onyedika brace.
"Victor Osimhen wants to score more goals for Nigeria at the AFCON. I think it is in his best interest that he scores goals for the Super Eagles," Oliseh stated. "I liked how he was looking more collective. The former Lille forward was looking for a way to find ways to play, and I think that is very good."
One Goal Can Be Worth More Than Six
Drawing a parallel to the 2023 AFCON in Cameroon, Oliseh reminded critics that Osimhen's solitary goal in that tournament did not prevent Nigeria from marching all the way to the final. He presented a compelling argument for valuing team success over individual scoring charts.
"Look at the 2023 AFCON in Cameroon, Victor Osimhen scored only one goal, and we got to the final," Oliseh recalled. "If he is going to score one goal again here in Morocco and Nigeria gets to the final, then let him score just one goal. I will take that one over scoring six goals, and Nigeria goes out."
This perspective offers a significant counter-narrative to the growing concern among some Nigerian fans about the striker's form in front of goal at the continental showpiece.
Focus Shifts to Mozambique Knockout Clash
All eyes are now on the Round of 16, where Osimhen is expected to lead the line as the Super Eagles face the Mambas of Mozambique later today, January 5, at the Complexe Sportif de Fes. The match presents a crucial opportunity for the Napoli-bound star to silence doubters and propel Nigeria deeper into the tournament.
Osimhen's last AFCON goal prior to this tournament was against Equatorial Guinea during the 2024 edition. His performance in the knockout stages will be pivotal to Nigeria's quest to reclaim the trophy they last won in 2013.
In related news, fellow Nigerian legend Daniel Amokachi recently named his three standout players of the tournament so far, selecting Senegal's Ibrahim Mbaye, Nigeria's Raphael Onyedika, and Morocco's Ayoub El Kaabi, notably omitting both Osimhen and Lookman from his list.
