Eagles too reliant on Osimhen – Esin

The Super Eagles' reliance on Napoli striker Victor Osimhen for goals has alarmed former Nigerian international Etim Esin, who has called for a more varied attacking approach.

Esin pointed out that Osimhen shouldn't be the only player on the team responsible for scoring goals.

"Our goals used to come from a variety of sources back then, but these days it seems to come from Osimhen or his work. Esin informed our correspondent, "That is not acceptable in this modern era of football."

"So, we can't score goals if Osimhen isn't playing? Even if he was fit, he ought to have taken a break during some of these games, such as the one against Benin. Football is played that way: with clever link-up plays and goals coming from all directions of the team.”
Esin's remarks are related to the ongoing dispute involving Osimhen and the troubled former coach Finidi George. Fans have been criticising the Napoli striker since he lost control of his social media outburst against Finidi.

Following Osimhen's injury-related withdrawal from two vital 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Finidi allegedly declared he would not beg Osimhen to play for the national team. This is when the altercation started.

After being replaced by Kenneth Igboke, a defender for Enugu Rangers, Osimhen angrily retorted, saying he had told Finidi about his condition.
Due to the controversy, Osimhen's fan base has become split, with some supporting his right to voice his frustrations and others criticising his approach. Drama was increased when former Nigerian custodian Idah Peterside threatened to ban Osimhen from the national team if he did not apologise to Finidi.