By our reporter 1.9.2026
Former Super Eagles striker and football journeyman Obafemi Martins said there is a need for the national team coaches to find another potent striker rather than depend on Victor Osimhen all the time.
The Super Eagles though have the likes of Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams, Ademola Lookman, Tolu Arokodare, Tarem Moffi, the national team had struggled without Osimhen and according to Obafemi Martins there has to be rivalry in camp for Osimhen to bring the best out him.
Obafemi argued that back in his days there was Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Osaze Odemwingie, Julius Aghawo and himself who are competing for the number nine position.
“You need someone that is going to compete with all the players, not just Osimhen. My own time, we had Yakubu there,” said Obafemi who was speaking on John Mikel Obi’s “Obi One” Podacast.
“If Yakubu starts the game, I will be on the bench waiting. I know if he is out and I score, I am going to start the next game. We are always like that. We do not hate each other because of that.”
However, he praised Osimhen for his passionate condur while playing for the national team.
“You cannot keep him quiet. I think that is what is keeping him going as well, because the way he behaves does not mean he has a stinking attitude,” Martins said.
“Seeing him is a blessing in the national team as a Nigerian. We should try to make him happy and let him score more goals.”
Osimhen currently has 35 international goals, leaving him just two goals short of matching Rashidi Yekini’s record as Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer.
Iwobi and Osimhen...Super Eagles teammates.