Why Osimhen’s goals may be useless for Super Eagles – Obafemi Martins

Former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins has voiced concerns over the lack of teamwork in the current Nigerian national team, Soccernet.ng reports.

The former VfL Wolfsburg forward stressed that individual brilliance alone cannot deliver success for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions on the international stage.

Speaking in a recent interview with Football Fans Tribe, the ex-Inter Milan and Newcastle United forward drew a sharp comparison between the Super Eagles team of his playing days and the current squad.

The 40-year-old suggested that while Nigeria boasts top talents like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, the absence of true teamwork is hurting the team’s chances.

“At that time, we had a team, but now, the team is not actually there,” Martins said. “The names are there, but the team is not there. Osimhen as a striker is doing his, Ademola Lookman is doing his, but we need collective team effort to play together and win together.”

Martins, who scored 18 goals in 42 appearances for the Super Eagles, stressed that football is not an individual sport.

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He warned that even if the Napoli striker scores a hundred goals, it would count for little if the team fails to progress together.

“Osimhen can score 100 goals and if we don’t go anywhere, it’s like the goal is nothing,” the ex-Levante forward added.

The Super Eagles have faced growing criticism from Nigerian football fans in recent months as they struggle in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign—most recently drawing against Zimbabwe.

Just like many football fans, Martins believes the team needs stronger chemistry, which could prove more effective as they prepare for their remaining four games that could determine their World Cup qualification hopes.