Osimhen out, who leads Eagles’ attack?

In a matter of days, the Super Eagles will converge for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with one obvious decision facing coach Eric Chelle – who replaces Victor Osimhen? PUNCH Sports Extra’s ABIODUN ADEWALE x-rays the available options

As the Super Eagles prepare to converge for the first window of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, coach Eric Chelle faces an immediate selection dilemma over who will lead Nigeria’s attack in the absence of Victor Osimhen.

The Galatasaray striker has been ruled out after sustaining a groin injury on Saturday, September 5, and is reportedly expected to be sidelined for around three weeks. That puts his availability for Nigeria’s qualifiers against Madagascar on September 25 and Guinea-Bissau on September 29 in serious doubt.

With Osimhen unavailable, Chelle will have to choose from a group of strikers who offer different qualities but have varying levels of experience and effectiveness with the national team.

Paul Onuachu would ordinarily provide another experienced option, but his availability remains doubtful, further reducing Chelle’s choices in the No.9 position.