Super Eagles: Why Moses Usor’s emergence could change Nigeria’s attacking hierarchy

LASK attacker Moses Usor has introduced himself to the Super Eagles, and many fans would definitely want to see more of him in the coming months, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 24-year-old came off the bench against Madagascar on Friday and scored the winning goal as Nigeria overturned an early deficit to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory in Uyo.

For Eric Chelle, however, Usor’s goal could prove more significant than simply securing three points. It has given the Super Eagles coach another attacking option at a time when the hierarchy in Nigeria’s forward line is still taking shape.

WHAT A SOLO GOAL FROM SUBSTITUTE AND DEBUTANT USOE MOSES!😱🔥 pic.twitter.com/dJdVCLbH1B

— Biobelemoye🇲🇼🇳🇬 (@Ikio_Annabel) September 25, 2026

Usor entered the game in the 61st minute, replacing Samuel Chukwueze, and immediately offered something different. Four minutes later, he picked up the ball deep inside Nigeria’s half, drove forward, beat two defenders, and finished into the bottom corner for his first senior international goal.

The manner of the goal was just as important as the finish. It was a moment of individual brilliance from a player who had been on the pitch for only a few minutes, on his debut.

Usor Has Forced Himself Into The Conversation

Before Friday, Usor was an interesting option in Chelle’s squad. In fact, he probably would not have been invited if Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Cyriel Dessers were fit. But after Friday, he is a player the coach has to seriously consider.

Nigeria already have established attacking names. Ademola Lookman has become one of the country’s most important forwards, while Chukwueze has years of experience at the highest level. Moses Simon also remains an experienced option on the wings.

Then there is Victor Osimhen, who remains the focal point of the attack. However, Usor’s breakout brings a different dynamic.

The 24-year-old is a left-footed attacker who can operate from the flank and attack defenders directly. His ability to carry the ball over distance was evident against Madagascar, particularly for the goal that ultimately decided the game.

Traum-Kombination zur Tabellenführung! LASK-Profi Moses User veredelt einen feinen Spielzug zum 3:1-Endstand gegen den SK Rapid! ⚽️#SkyBuliAT #Usor #ASKSCR #LASK pic.twitter.com/QoGEjsQ5x4

— Sky Sport Austria (@SkySportAustria) May 5, 2026

And that could become particularly useful against opponents who defend deep and force Nigeria to rely on individual creativity.

His Rise Comes At The Right Time For Super Eagles

The timing of Usor’s breakthrough is important. Nigeria’s attack has undergone several changes under Chelle, and the Madagascar game showed that there is still uncertainty over the best combination in the final third.

With Osimhen unavailable for the opening AFCON qualifiers, Chelle started George Ilenikhena alongside Akor Adams, while Lookman and Chukwueze provided attacking support.

Ilenikhena scored on his senior debut, but Nigeria struggled to consistently create clear chances before the changes were made.

However, Usor’s introduction altered the dynamic. The LASK forward attacked space more aggressively and gave Madagascar another problem to deal with. His goal eventually settled a match Nigeria had made unnecessarily difficult for themselves.

Usor Could Also Complement Lookman and Osimhen

The most interesting question is what happens when Osimhen returns.

Rather than viewing Usor solely as competition for existing wingers, Chelle could potentially use him as another attacking piece alongside Nigeria’s established stars.

Lookman has developed into an important goal threat from wide and inside positions, while Osimhen provides the central presence and movement that Nigeria’s attack is built around. Chukwueze has also been inconsistent, so Usor could be a replacement.

Usor’s direct running could add another layer. A front three containing Osimhen, Lookman and Usor would give Nigeria three attackers capable of threatening the opposition in different ways.

Whether Chelle chooses that combination is another matter, but the possibility now exists. And that possibility was much harder to discuss before Friday night.