Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen suffered an injury to his ankle and has been ruled out of the game against South Africa on Tuesday…
Former Inter Milan forward Obinna Nsofor has backed Tolu Arokodare and Cyriel Dessers to get amongst the goals for the Super Eagles when they face South Africa on Tuesday, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria defeated Rwanda 1-0 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Saturday, but it came at a cost, as top marksman Victor Osimhen was taken off in the first half after suffering a blow to his ankle.
Arokodare, who was one of the substitutes, was the one who scored the winning goal to see Nigeria through.
However, Nigeria now face a sterner test against South Africa in Bloemfontein on Tuesday. But Osimhen has been ruled out of the fixture, as it was revealed that he will not recover in time.
This is a big blow for the Super Eagles, as Osimhen has been the team's major outlet in recent years.
Nonetheless, former Nigeria striker Nsofor, who also played for big clubs like Inter Milan and West Ham, believes Arokodare and Dessers could be clutch against the Bafana Bafana.
“It is a shame Osimhen will not be available for the South Africa and Nigeria game because he is Nigeria’s best player and would have been a huge weapon for the Super Eagles,” Nsofor told Footy-Africa.
“He is a player who has proven to be a team player, and in big games like this, his presence alone could intimidate opponents.
“However, I believe that we have talented players in the team like Tolu (Arokodare) and Dessers that can make an impact to help the team win the match in South Africa.”
Tolu Arokodare Should Be Victor Osimhen’s Replacement
In the game against Rwanda, Tolu Arokodare looked really good. His hold-play was brilliant, he assisted with defensive work, and he scored the goal that sealed the win.
Dessers, on the other hand, did not look as sharp. And unfortunately for him, the game against South Africa will be a tough one, which will be decided by the finest of margins.
Arokodare offers almost everything that Victor Osimhen does. He brings physicality, presence in the box, and an impressive work rate.
Coach Eric Chelle will likely start one of Arokodare or Dessers against South Africa. And if the Rwanda game was an audition for who starts against the Bafana Bafana, Arokodare passed with flying colours.
