Former Tremendous Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has warned that Nigeria’s rising dependence on Victor Osimhen may change into a significant weak spot because the workforce prepares for the essential FIFA World Cup qualification playoffs in opposition to Gabon.
Akpeyi, who represented Nigeria on the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, stated whereas Osimhen’s high quality is unquestionable, the overreliance on the striker to ship objectives has uncovered the workforce’s lack of attacking depth.
He burdened that different forwards should take accountability and contribute extra decisively in entrance of objective.
“Each workforce has its star participant — for Nigeria, it’s Osimhen,” Akpeyi stated.
“However that doesn’t imply others ought to calm down or anticipate him to carry out magic. The Tremendous Eagles want a collective mentality. Soccer at this stage, particularly with FIFA World Cup qualification on the road, calls for shared accountability.”
Akpeyi highlighted that relying too closely on one participant could make the workforce predictable and simpler for opponents to neutralize. He pointed to the latest qualifiers, the place Nigeria struggled to attain in Osimhen’s absence, as proof that the workforce should diversify its attacking choices.
“The second opponents block Osimhen, the workforce seems to be misplaced,” he stated. “We’d like gamers like Kelechi Iheanacho, Ademola Lookman, and Moses Simon to take cost and create their very own moments. Targets can come from wherever — that’s what makes an ideal workforce.”
The previous Chippa United shot-stopper additionally urged the teaching employees to encourage extra tactical flexibility and fluid motion in assault. “This isn’t about blaming anybody,” he added.
“It’s about guaranteeing the Tremendous Eagles have a number of weapons forward of the World Cup playoffs. If everybody steps up, Nigeria can be unstoppable.”
