Eagles must not depend on Osimhen for goals at AFCON 2025 – Ex footballer, Benedict Akwuegbu

Former Nigeria international, Benedict Akwuegbu has cautioned the Super Eagles’ technical crew against relying solely on star striker Victor Osimhen for goals at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Nigeria, three-time AFCON champions, are set to begin their campaign today against Tanzania, before facing Tunisia and Uganda in Group C, and will be hoping to start the tournament on a positive note.

Speaking with Footy Africa, Akwuegbu expressed confidence in the team’s ability to perform well but stressed the need for a more flexible tactical approach from head coach Eric Chelle.
 

“I’m optimistic that the team will excel; we just need to keep hope alive. We must continue to support the NFF and the entire team. We have the players and the quality needed to win the tournament,” Akwuegbu said.
 

However, he warned that overdependence on Osimhen could be costly.
 

“My only advice to the coach is to adopt more varied tactics and a different style of play. The team currently relies too heavily on Osimhen, and whenever he doesn’t play or score, the team tends to struggle. Many countries are now familiar with our approach and will focus on marking Osimhen and Lookman out of the game,” he added.
 

Akwuegbu stressed the importance of spreading goal responsibility across the squad.
 

“It’s important for the coach to develop a system where goals can come from any player and where there are multiple match winners. This is an area the team currently lacks,” he concluded.