PHOTO CREDIT: Punch Newspapers / File Photo of Victor Osimhen & Obafemi Martins
Osimhen Needs Strong Competition In Super Eagles Attack – Obafemi Martins

Retired Super Eagles striker, Obafemi Martins, says Nigeria needs more quality competition for Victor Osimhen in attack to reduce the team’s over-reliance on the Galatasaray star.

Martins noted that Nigeria struggled badly whenever Osimhen was unavailable during the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. The Super Eagles failed to win any of the five matches he missed — drawing against Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa twice, and losing shockingly to Benin Republic.

The team eventually made it to the African play-offs, but were eliminated by DR Congo on penalties. Osimhen could not take part in the shootout after going off injured at half-time, with Akor Adams replacing him.

Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Martins said competition for places was what drove the attack in his era when he battled with the likes of Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Osaze Odemwingie and Julius Aghahowa.
“You need someone that is going to compete with all the players, not just Osimhen. My own time, we had Yakubu there,” Martins said.

“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.”
The former Inter Milan and Newcastle United striker also defended Osimhen’s passion on the pitch, saying it should not be mistaken for a bad attitude.
“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,” he added.
“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, 27, currently has 35 goals for Nigeria and is just two goals away from equalling Rashidi Yekini’s all-time record of 37 goals.

At club level, he has started the season in red-hot form. Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk revealed the team has tweaked its build-up play to get Osimhen into more dangerous areas, a move that has paid off with multiple goal contributions in three straight games, including an assist and a penalty in the 3-2 win over Göztepe last weekend.

Osimhen has already scored five goals in three league appearances this season, well on course to beat his 15-goal tally from last season.

Meanwhile, former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has claimed Osimhen is still keen on a move to Old Trafford, despite links to Arsenal and Tottenham.
“I know for a fact that Victor Osimhen is a Manchester United fan. He loves Man United. All United have to do is make the connection, but that is why it has not happened yet. Osimhen is still waiting,” Saha said.
SOURCE: Punch Newspapers –