“Osimhen is the first-choice” – Super Eagles coach names Napoli man’s replacement for Algeria

The Napoli striker has the highest goal ratio of any Nigerian footballer in history and is on course to be the country’s most prolific goalscorer ever

Super Eagles assistant coach George Finidi has stated that Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is Nigeria’s undisputed first-choice striker.

Since making his debut in 2017 for the three-time African champions, Osimhen has scored 15 goals in 22 appearances.

With a 0.68 goal ratio, Osimhen has been more prolific in fewer matches than any Nigerian on record.

During the last international break in June, Osimhen scored five goals in two matches against Sierra Leone and Sao Tome and Principe.

The exciting 23-year-old is, however, unavailable for the Super Eagles friendly game against Algeria on September 27.

He sustained a second-degree hamstring injury during the first half of Napoli’s 4-1 Champions League win over Liverpool on September 7. And he is not expected back in action until October.

Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro has invited four strikers – Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Cyriel Dessers, and Terem Moffi – for the clash in Oran.

However, assistant coach Finidi has tipped Lorient forward Terem Moffi to get the nod to lead the Eagles’ attack against the Desert Warriors.

“Moffi has to do what he has to do to make it into the starting team,” Finidi told The PUNCH.

“Osimhen definitely, is the first choice once he’s back; he will take his place in the team, but we have other players that are pushing him, but Osimhen is always Osimhen.

“There are other players that have other qualities that can make up for his absence, so we will see how it goes.”

Moffi grabbed a brace as Nigeria demolished Sao Tome and Principe in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier earlier this year.

The Lorient star has been even more impressive in France, netting six goals in only eight matches.