By Kayode John
Super Eagles caretaker coach Austin Eguavoen has admitted the absence of Victor Osimhen is a big miss for his team.
Osimhen picked up a muscle problem in the first half of Galatasaray’s 3-3 draw with Kasimpasa at the RAMS Park on September 28. The 25-year-old was replaced at half-time in the game and will not be fit again until after the international break.
Following his injury, in-form Sevilla winger Chidera Ejuke was called up for the double-header against Libya in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Speaking on Tuesday at the team’s camp in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Eguavoen said his side will cope in the games without the reigning African footballer of the year.
“It’s a collective effort; It’s a team sport, not an individual sport. We are in touch and we can understand. It is a huge miss,” he said.
“We all know how important and impactful Osimhen can be but we have other players who can step into his shoes. He’s not here physically but I’m 100 percent sure he is here spiritually.”
Though Osimhen missed Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers in June, he returned with a goal in the 3-0 victory over Benin Republic in Uyo on September 7, in the Super Eagles’ first game of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
The injury to the Napoli loanee comes just as he is getting into full fitness after missing pre-season activities. He has scored two goals and registered three assists for Galatasaray in four matches this season.
