Napoli’s Osimhen unavailable for Nigeria: Top three potential stand-ins

Victor Osimhen is set to miss Nigeria’s international friendly clash against the Black Stars of Ghana and The Eagles of Mali

Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen is set to miss Nigeria’s clashes against Ghana and Mali after Napoli omitted him from the list of players for the international break, as reported by Soccernet.ng.

Osimhen’s absence, as previously reported, is attributed to fatigue from a previous injury and the decision to prioritize his fitness for Napoli’s upcoming match against Atalanta BC.

However, a new report by the club, as reported by Tutto Napoli, has further confirmed this absence, prompting the Nigeria Football Federation to seek a replacement for the Nigerian attacker.

Earlier, the NFF announced a list of 26 players for the clashes against Ghana and Mali, including Kelechi Iheanacho, Sadiq Umar, Cyriel Dessers, Osimhen, and Taiwo Awoniyi.

Soccernet.ng, however, explores three players who could possibly replace Osimhen:

1. Terem Moffi

The OGC Nice forward emerged as a brave hero during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament by confidently being the first penalty-taker against South Africa, thus, making his mark in the front line.

Meanwhile, he has been left out of the international friendly clashes against Ghana and Mali. As he was not heavily utilized during the AFCON tournament, this could be his best opportunity to earn more minutes.

The Nigerian star established himself as a potential key replacement for Osimhen over the weekend by scoring a brace in Nice’s 3-1 victory against Lens.

2. Akor Adams

The Nigerian star has not been at his best for Montpellier in his last few appearances for the French club, scoring 7 goals in 25 domestic league appearances.

However, his eye for goal shows he has talent, making him one of the possible replacements for Osimhen in the international friendly clashes against Ghana and Mali.

3. Albert Hillary

Plateau United forward is currently the top scorer in the Nigeria Premier Football League with 12 goals, tying the position with Enyimba FC star Chijioke Mbaoma.

Although former Super Eagles boss Jose Peseiro was not fond of calling up an NPFL player, it is suggested that the current interim coach, Finidi George, who is also the manager of the reigning NPFL champions, could consider calling up an NPFL player.

As a result, the goal-scoring prowess of the top scorer with 12 goals could be utilized as a perfect replacement for Victor Osimhen.

N.B: Who do you think is best to replace Victor Osimhen ahead of Super Eagles clash against Ghana and Mali? Leave your comments below.

This post was last modified on March 19, 2024 12:52 pm

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and an Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a proven track record in conducting interviews with Super Eagles stars such as William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and many others. He has also made a significant impact in breaking transfer news stories. Grounded in video editing, video journalism, social media management, and content strategy, Ayomide brings a wealth of expertise to his work. With a Bachelor's degree in English Language from Adeyemi College of Education and a Master's Degree in School Library and Media Technology from the University of Ibadan, Ayomide is well-prepared to excel in the field.

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  • THEY SHOULD FIND REPLACEMENT FOR INJURY PLAYERS. INFACT THIS IS THE BEST TIME TO TEST RUN NEW PLAYERS IN CASE OF ANY INJURY AMONG THE TOP STARS.
    IN 1994
    ** IROHA INJURED, MIKE-EMELANO TAKES OVER
    ** KESHI INJURED, CHIDI-NWANU TAKES OVER
    ** IKPEBA INJURED, AMUNEKE TAKES OVER
    ** SIASIA BENCHED, OKOCHA TAKES OVER
    AND SURPRISEDLY, ALL PLAYERS THAT TOOK OVER FROM INJURED ONES, GREATLY, EXCEEDLY, TREMENDOUSLY, EXCELLENTLY DID WELL MORE THAN PEOPLE’S EXPECTATION.
    Finidi, you are among the team then, teach them how your coach achieve that.

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