Super Eagles vs Madagascar: Lookman, 2 other stars who must step up without Osimhen

Three-time African champions Nigeria’s Super Eagles will begin their quest for a fourth title tomorrow, as they kick off their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar, Afrik-Foot reports.

However, coach Eric Chelle will be without star striker and talisman Victor Osimhen, meaning that there is a significant attacking void to fill.

Osimhen’s absence removes Nigeria’s biggest goalscoring threat and means the Super Eagles cannot rely on their usual focal point to rescue them in the final third.

With the Galatasaray striker sidelined, the responsibility will fall on several other players to raise their level. And in this article, we take a look at three of those players and how they could be key to Nigeria’s success in the upcoming games.

Ademola Lookman

Lookman is the obvious player to look towards in the final third.

The Atletico Madrid forward has established himself as one of Nigeria’s most dangerous attacking players, and his ability to create chances, carry the ball and find pockets of space will be crucial against Madagascar.

Without Osimhen occupying centre-backs and creating space around the penalty area, Lookman may have to take on even greater responsibility.

His movement from the left can give Nigeria an alternative route into the final third, while his ability to cut inside gives him opportunities to shoot or combine with the central striker.

Lookman magic 💫#UCL pic.twitter.com/5Lqu9p3nD5

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) July 17, 2025

Chelle will need Lookman to be more than a supporting figure in this international break. Nigeria need him to be one of the players driving the attack. Good thing is that he always does well for Nigeria, so against Madagascar, he should be able to do some damage.

Frank Onyeka

Onyeka’s importance may not be as obvious as Lookman’s, but his role could be crucial.

With Osimhen unavailable, Nigeria cannot afford to lose control of the midfield and allow Madagascar to dictate the tempo. That is where Onyeka’s energy and defensive work become valuable.

The Brentford midfielder can provide the running power needed to press, win second balls and cover spaces when Nigeria commit numbers forward. His ability to break up play could also allow the more attacking players to operate higher up the pitch.

Onyeka will not be expected to replace Osimhen’s goals, but he can help create the conditions for Nigeria’s attack to function.

If the Super Eagles dominate possession but struggle to create openings, Onyeka’s ability to win the ball quickly and restart attacks could become particularly important.

Tolu Arokodare

Arokodare has perhaps the most obvious responsibility of the three. With Osimhen unavailable, the Ajax striker is one of the players who could be asked to lead Nigeria’s attack, and that brings considerable pressure.

Arokodare offers a different profile from Osimhen. His physical strength and aerial ability can give Nigeria a target in the box, while his ability to hold up the ball could allow Lookman and the other attacking players to push further forward.

But replacing Osimhen’s presence is not simply about scoring goals. Arokodare must give Nigeria a focal point. He needs to occupy Madagascar’s centre-backs, compete for crosses, bring teammates into play and make the most of the chances that come his way.

This could be one of his biggest opportunities yet to establish himself as a serious option in Nigeria’s attack. Osimhen’s absence inevitably changes the dynamics of the Super Eagles. Lookman will be expected to provide the spark, Onyeka the midfield security and Arokodare the presence up front.

🚨🇳🇬 The pre-game prayer of Nigeria striker Tolu Arokodare worked as he scored for Ajax – four games in a row! 🤯🔥🤩 pic.twitter.com/iOH28HIXPn

— Ibrahim Sannie Daara (@SannieDaara) September 6, 2026

Luckily for coach Chelle, Arokodare seems to have gotten his confidence back since moving to Ajax. His full qualities have been in full glare whenever he is on the pitch for the Godenzonen. He has scored in five of his last six games for the club, doings of a player who is in form.

The 25-year-old striker will now be looking to take that form to the Super Eagles.