Osimhen replacement: Adams, Arokodare or Ilenikhena – who should lead Nigeria’s attack?

Victor Osimhen will miss Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after his recovery from a right adductor injury took longer than expected, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Galatasaray striker is unavailable for the September 25 meeting with Madagascar in Uyo and the September 29 trip to face Guinea-Bissau.

Eric Chelle now has three obvious central-striker options in Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and George Ilenikhena to replace Osimhen. All three were included in the original squad, although Ilenikhena is the only one yet to make his senior Nigeria debut.

The decision brings three different profiles into focus: Adams offers established international experience, Arokodare arrives from Ajax with useful early-season output, while Ilenikhena combines youth with Champions League experience and an excellent start to his campaign in Saudi Arabia.

Victor Osimhen’s replacement in Super Eagles attack?

Tolu Arokodare: The club-form option

Arokodare, 25, has started his Ajax loan spell from Wolverhampton Wanderers with five Eredivisie appearances, two goals and one assist in 245 minutes. He scored against Telstar on August 30 and PSV on September 5 before playing 74 minutes in Ajax’s 5-1 win at Fortuna Sittard.

📹⚽ Tolu Arokodare scores just two minutes after coming on for Ajax.

Stop him if you can. 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/LbPJmnyHmn

— Soar Africa! (@SSE_NGA) September 19, 2026

On Saturday night, the Wolves loanee overcame illness and came off the bench to net a crucial equaliser for Ajax in their 2-2 draw with Excelsior.

At 1.97 metres, Arokodare gives Nigeria a strong physical presence in the penalty area. His size can help him compete for crosses, hold off defenders and provide a direct target when the Super Eagles need to play forward quickly.

His international record is less convincing than his current club numbers. Arokodare has 10 Nigeria appearances and two goals, with his latest international goal coming against Rwanda in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Akor Adams: The experienced international

Adams, 26, joined Venezia from Sevilla in July and has started all four of the club’s Serie A matches this season. The former Montpellier forward has managed one league goal, scored against Fiorentina, when his movement created space before he finished to put Venezia ahead.

Akor Adams' first Serie A goal against Fiorentina 👏 pic.twitter.com/O18edE6roT

— Leagues Reporter (@LeaguesReporter) September 11, 2026

His international record gives him another layer of experience, as he was Osimhen’s strike partner at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Adams has scored six goals in 15 FIFA-recognised appearances for Nigeria, including four goals in 2026.

Adams can operate as a traditional No.9 but also has the pace to run behind defensive lines. His previous involvement in competitive Nigeria fixtures means Chelle would not be introducing him to the demands of senior international football for the first time.

George Ilenikhena: The new challenger

Ilenikhena is the youngest of the three at 20 and received his first senior Nigeria call-up for the Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau qualifiers.

His club form makes the decision more interesting. Ilenikhena has scored four goals and supplied two assists in six Saudi Pro League appearances for Al-Ittihad this season, including a two-goal display against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr.

George Ilenikhena 🎯#UCL pic.twitter.com/NCuk06BAhd

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 21, 2024

His European experience is also unusual for a player yet to win a senior Nigeria cap. The youngster scored the winning goals twice against Barcelona in the Champions League for Antwerp and Monaco before joining Al-Ittihad in February.

Osimhen: What Chelle must decide

Chelle can prioritise international experience by turning to Adams or Arokodare. He can instead reward Arokodare’s current club form, or introduce Ilenikhena despite the risk of giving a debutant responsibility in a competitive AFCON qualifier.

The choice could also depend on how Nigeria use Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze. A lone striker would place greater responsibility on the central forward, while a system built around movement from several attackers could reduce that burden.

Osimhen’s absence has therefore opened a genuine contest between three forwards with different strengths.

Chelle’s decision against Madagascar on September 25 will show which of those qualities he wants at the centre of Nigeria’s attack.