Victor Osimhen: Super Eagles banking on absent boogeyman for AFCON 2025 assault

Frank Onyeka has described Victor Osimhen as a presence that alters games before a ball is kicked, insisting defenders across Africa already feel the pressure when the Super Eagles striker is named on the teamsheet.

Speaking on Nigeria’s preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025), the Brentford midfielder placed Osimhen in a category of his own, pointing to both output and attitude.

“He’s such an amazing player,” Onyeka told BBC Africa. “He’s a guy that wants to fight for every single ball. For me, I think the defenders are scared of him. Victor is on another level.”

The numbers support the claim. The 2023 CAF POTY sits second on Nigeria’s all-time scoring chart with 31 goals from 45 appearances, behind only Rashidi Yekini, despite a mixed personal return at the last Nations Cup.

Nigeria’s recent struggles without him have sharpened that point. During the 2026 World Cup qualifying run, the Super Eagles took just four points from five matches the Galatasary striker did not feature in.

Onyeka admitted his absence was also felt during the playoff loss to DR Congo, when the striker was forced off at half-time. “Missing Victor going into the second half changed a bit,” he said. “Even one of the Congo players said it. When Victor left, it gave the defenders a bit of rest.”

Super Eagles still waiting on Osimhen as AFCON 2025 prep ticks on

Osimhen is yet to report to camp, which opened earlier in the week, and he was absent as Nigeria fell 2-1 to Egypt in Tuesday’s friendly in Cairo. With the opening AFCON 2025 fixture less than a week away, the clock is already ticking.

The Super Eagles attack looked blunt in spells against Egypt, reinforcing Onyeka’s point about the striker’s wider influence. Osimhen does not only score; he occupies centre-backs, creates space, and dictates how high opponents can defend. Without him, Nigeria often play in shorter bursts.

Teams across the continent prepare differently when Osimhen is involved. That fear factor, spoken about openly by teammates and rivals alike, is part of Nigeria’s edge. His continued absence, therefore, presents a problem for coach Eric Chelle, as he works to create a tournament-winning synergy in attack.

Amid widespread calls for the Galatasaray striker to be named captain, his tardiness is deeply concerning.