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Former Nigerian international Obafemi Martins has disclosed that the Super Eagles need to develop another top striker to give Victor Osimhen direct competition, just as he had to fight for his place against Yakubu Aiyegbeni during his playing days.
Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Martins noted that the team rely too heavily on Osimhen and require an alternative and reliable forward to push for the starting spot.
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Healthy Rivalry
Recalling his era in the national team, he mentioned competing alongside strong forwards like Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Osaze Odemwingie, and Julius Aghahowa, where starting spots were earned through intense competition without personal animosity.
“You need someone that is going to compete with all the players, not just Osimhen.
“My own time, we had Yakubu there. If Yakubu starts the game, I’ll be on the bench waiting.
“I know if he’s out and I score, I’m going to start the next game. We’re always like that. We don’t hate each other because of that.”
Defending Osimhen’s Temperament
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Martins also defended Osimhen’s fiery on-field attitude, explaining that his intense passion should not be mistaken for a bad character.
“You cannot keep him quiet. I think that’s what is keeping him going as well because the way he behaves does not mean he has a stinking attitude. That’s how he can play, so the majority of people don’t understand that.
“Seeing him is a blessing in the national team as a Nigerian. We should try to make him happy and let him score more goals.”
3 Comments
Perfectly affirmed.
He already has competition but the so called midfieders say they only play to fit into VO9 playing style. Ridiculous to hear that.. Spain won the world cup without a proving or world class striker.
We did not qualify because VO9 was injured. Incredible midfielders. Who cannot adapt their game to fit any striker.
Spain won world cup without a striker in the mould of VO9. That should tell us there was no reason not to have qualified for the world cup. Country of Nigeria’s quality should have. Arokodare was good but the mid did not play to his strength. Akor was hardly invited. Durosimi was equally good. They built the whole team around one player.
We had better learnt the bitter experience from 2026 WC or we will kiss WC goodbye.
@coach, who told you Nigeria has midfield players, abi because they were counting people like iwobi and Ndidi as mildfilder.
We don’t have a single midfield player.