Former Super Eagles star Tijani Babangida has sounded the alarm on the Super Eagles’ over-dependence on striker Victor Osimhen ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, www.aclsports.com reports.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the 26-year-old Osimhen is expected to lead the line for the Super Eagles at the AFCON that starts in just 10 days.
However, Babangida, having seen how the team struggled in the aftermath of Osimhen’s withdrawal during the 2026 World Cup play-off defeat to DR Congo, expressed concern over Nigeria’s over-dependence on the Galatasaray striker.
“It is dangerous that it appears that the Super Eagles are built around Victor Osimhen. It was when Osimhen was removed at the beginning of the second half against Congo that the team started to struggle. That is very bad,” Babangida told Tribal Football.
The ex-winger noted that during his playing days, the Super Eagles never revolved around one standout star, and he called on Chelle to tackle the problem well ahead of the tournament.
“The Super Eagles of my time were not built around one player. Many people have observed that the Super Eagles are built around Osimhen. This is a problem that Eric Chelle must fix if the team wants to win the AFCON,” he said.
“Chelle must impart this mentality to all the players, the attackers especially, that the team is not built around Osimhen. Any player given the nod to feature in any game must perform very well and play as a team.”
Babangida noted that although a fit Osimhen remains an asset, the Super Eagles must keep their confidence high whether he is on the pitch or not.
“We need a fully fit Osimhen, but we also need fully mentally prepared players who know that with or without Osimhen, Super Eagles can win. Morale should be high in the team whether Osimhen is there or not,” he added.
“Super Eagles should not be in a mess if Osimhen is injured. Chelle must address this issue because injury is part of the game. Osimhen’s absence in any game should not be the end of the world for Super Eagles.”
Nigeria will begin their quest for a fourth continental title when they take on Tanzania in their Group C opener on December 23.
