With the Super Eagles of Nigeria having considerable ground to make up, after falling behind so badly following the opening four rounds of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying games, there is very little margin for error in the upcoming international assignments against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Success in those fixtures would depend greatly on how efficient Nigeria's forwards would be in those games, but with some of trainer Eric Chelle's goalscoring options — the likes of Paul Onuachu (struggling), Taiwo Awoniyi and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (unfit) — unlikely to feature, the former Mali manager may need to consider less familiar alternatives.
Thankfully, a number of those have emerged in recent weeks, three of whom we assess below.
Umar Sadiq (Valenicia)
When Umar Sadiq joined Valencia on loan from Real Sociedad in January, there was no doubt what his new team was expecting from him: goals, to help boost their push to avoid relegation.
It has taken Sadiq some time to adjust, but his recent output suggests he may be finding his feet.
A goal away to Villarreal two weeks ago and a well-taken brace when Valencia visited Osasuna last Sunday would no doubt make a good case for a player who has not had any significant game time in the Super Eagles shirt shirt since January 2024.
Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk)
It would, in fact, be a huge surprise if Tolu Arokodare does not receive a maiden call-up this month, given the sort of season he has had for Genk, runaway leaders of the Belgian elite division.
The towering forward is top of the league's scoring charts, with his latest effort coming in Friday's draw with Charleroi.
Chelle may not be inclined to choose him to lead the Super Eagles' offensive line during March's internationals, but it could be credibly argued — backed by 18 goals and six assists in all competitions — that Arokodare would prove an invaluable resource.
George Ilenikhena ( AS Monaco)
The Monaco forward has not yet established himself as a truly prolific forward, but the 18-year-old has still impressed.
He may have only scored six goals this term, but his big-game temperament has been underlined by a second goal in as many UEFA Champions League appearances (both match-winners) against Spanish giants Barcelona.
Ilenikhena was also on target last month in a crunch tie with Benfica in the same competition, suggesting he would be an interesting pick for the tough games Nigeria's Super Eagles have coming up.
