If Nigeria are to rise from the ashes and secure a place at the 2026 World Cup, we will need our biggest stars to step up, Soccernet.ng notes.
Nigeria have them aplenty with Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Umar Sadiq, and Tolu Arokodare already in the Super Eagles camp in Rwanda.
Far more than the others, though, Osimhen and Lookman have been unstoppable in Europe this season — but can they form a deadly partnership under Eric Chelle?
Here's why the new coach must build his attack around Nigeria's two hottest forwards.
Osimhen: The relentless goal machine
Napoli fans know and Galatasaray supporters are discovering this fact: Osimhen is the kind of striker who thrives in the chaos of battle.
The Super Eagles star's aggressive pressing, aerial brilliance, explosive movement, and lethal finishing make him a nightmare for defenders.
Over the past three seasons, he has established himself as one of Europe's deadliest marksmen, firing Napoli to a historic Serie A title and almost single-handedly dragging Galatasaray to a record-extending 25th Super Lig title.
For Nigeria, Osimhen's presence in the box is unmatched. His ability to bully defenders, chase lost causes, and sniff out goals from half-chances is exactly what the Super Eagles need.
Already Nigeria’s second all-time highest goalscorer, Osimhen is hungry for more as he was one of the first players to arrive in Kigali.
Victor Osimhen & Bruno Onyemechi in camp with the new coach, Eric Chelle #PoojaInRwanda pic.twitter.com/t7mG7uwdyn
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) March 17, 2025
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When fit, he is a guaranteed goal threat, and Chelle must ensure that the team's entire attacking structure revolves around getting the best out of him.
Lookman: The creative spark Nigeria have missed
While Osimhen provides the power, Lookman offers the guile.
The Atalanta forward has evolved into a complete attacker—capable of playing out wide or through the middle. His dazzling footwork, incisive dribbling, and eye for goal were on full display as he led Atalanta to Europa League glory last season.
Ademola Lookman is trending because the African Footballer of the Year has landed in Kigali, joining Victor Osimhen, Tolu Arokodare etc.
— Trending Explained (@TrendingEx) March 18, 2025
He arrived along side captain William Ekong , Wilfred Ndidi, Calvin Bassey,Alex Iwobi, Bright Osayi-samuel, Ola Aina etc.
Super Eagles will… pic.twitter.com/nvrydpVMVX
Reigning African Footballer of the Year, Lookman showed at the Africa Cup of Nations last year that he is the perfect strike partner for Osimhen.
One of Nigeria’s biggest attacking problems in recent years has been a lack of creativity in the final third.
Lookman solves that. His ability to take on defenders, link up play, and make intelligent runs complements Osimhen’s more direct style.
If Chelle can unleash Lookman in a free role, Nigeria’s attack could finally click into place.
Osimhen and Lookman: A partnership that can strike fear into any defence
On paper, Osimhen and Lookman are a perfect match. One is a ruthless finisher; the other, a nimble playmaker with an eye for goal.
When given the right system, they can form a devastating partnership similar to the ones we’ve seen succeed at the highest level — think Benzema and Vinicius at Real Madrid or Drogba and Malouda at Chelsea.
— Victor Osimhen (@victorosimhen9) March 15, 2025
For too long, Nigeria’s attack has felt disjointed, with talented players failing to click. Chelle must not let that happen again.
His priority should be crafting a system that allows Lookman to feed Osimhen, ensuring that Nigeria’s best finisher gets the service he needs.
The tactical blueprint: How Chelle can set up Nigeria’s attack
If Nigeria are to dominate in attack, Chelle must deploy a system that maximizes both Osimhen’s and Lookman’s strengths.
A 4-2-3-1 formation, with Lookman operating behind Osimhen, could be the key. This setup would allow Lookman to float between the lines, receive the ball on the half-turn, and link up with Osimhen in dangerous areas.
It would also allow Nantes ace Moses Simon to slot into his preferred role on the left flank, unleashing Nigeria’s three most productive attackers against Rwanda.
It’s always Moses Simon pic.twitter.com/Fsbby0ujIW
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) February 23, 2025
Alternatively, a 4-4-2 with Lookman as a second striker would enable more direct interplay between the duo.
Given Nigeria’s wide options, including Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze, Chelle could also consider a dynamic front three, with Lookman cutting inside from the wing to combine with Osimhen.
Regardless of the formation, the mission is clear: get Osimhen into goalscoring positions and let Lookman work his magic.
Soccernet.ng's verdict: Osimhen and Lookman
Nigeria have the firepower to be one of Africa’s most feared teams — but only if Chelle makes the right tactical choices.
While the Super Eagles boast several top talents in attack, Osimhen and Lookman represent Nigeria’s best hope of World Cup qualification.
Build the team around them, and the Super Eagles could soar once again. Fail to do so, and another World Cup heartbreak may be on the horizon.
It’s a simple equation: let Osimhen and Lookman lead the attack, and Nigeria will have the goals we need to dominate.
WE ONLY TALK ABOUT ATTACK,BUT OUR MAIN PROBLEM IS THAT WE DON’T HAVE GOOD MIDFIELDERS…OUR MIDFIELD IS BAD FIRSTLY,THEN DEFENSE THEY LOOSE FOCUS EASILY.WE HAVE NO PROBLEMS IN ATTACK,IF THEY CAN PLAY IN BLOCK TO FEED THE ATTACKERS THEY WILL DEFINITELY SCORE GOAL.