AFCON 2022: Seven strikers that can replace Osimhen in Super Eagles lineup

Oladipupo Mojeed Sports 02/12/2021

The unfortunate head injury suffered by Super Eagles and Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, in a head clash with Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar, will effectively rul him out of the African Nations Cup (AFCON) coming up in January in Cameroon.

Following a successful surgery, he now joins Oghenekaro Etebo on the list of injured Super Eagles players who will miss the 2022 Nations Cup.

The doctor who operated on Osimhen, Gianpaolo Tartaro, described how and what had to be done to treat the substantial face injury after the successful surgery and also estimated his return to not earlier than 2-3 months

With Osimhen out of the Nations Cup, it begs the question, who can replace him in the squad?

Kelechi Iheanacho

If Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho is up to his element, he could grab the opportunity with both hands and become the go-to striker in the Eagles set up. But with the return of Odion Ighalo and the open preference of the veteran striker by Coach Gernot Rohr, it could be a big task for the former U-17 winner.

The Leicester City striker is coming off a strong season with the Foxes. His finest in the Premier League and the club should be structured around him rather than being treated as an afterthought.

Since Osimhen will likely be ruled out of the Nations Cup, Rohr will be hopeful that Iheanacho and Ighalo can form a working connection.

Paul Onuachu

Onuachu is a bit part player with the Super Eagles and has been used sparingly by Rorh due to his playing style. The coach seems not to know how to play to Onuachu’s strength and as such, has not been quite effective for national team as he has been for his Belgiam team.

Onuachi celebrate goal against Benin Republic (Image: NFF)

His tall stature and distinct features make him a great Plan B. But would Rohr trust him as a starter to take Osimhen’s place?

David Okereke

Rohr has been hesitant to pass the baton to newcomers and integrate them into his plans. Now that Osihmen is out, he will undoubtedly have to rethink his approach with the likes of David Okereke being in hot form.

The Venezia striker is on a roll in the Serie A right now as he has taken a page from Osimhen’s book by scoring in his previous two games – against AS Roma and Bologna.

So far this season, Okereke has scored four goals in 12 games and has adapted well to the Italian top flight’s newcomers, but will Rohr take the risk of trusting Okereke to be his go-to hitman?

Cyriel Dessers

This season, the Dutch-born attacker who decided to play for the country of his mother, has been shattering records for Feyenoord. He is now showcasing his worth as an impact sub with four goals since late September.

After integrating swiftly in Dutch football, he went into this international break on a three-game scoring streak, and his hot form might make him crucial as the Africa Cup of Nations approaches.

In October 2020, the 26-year-old made his one and only appearance.

Taiwo Awoniyi

It’s ludicrous that Awoniyi was left out of the recent international break. What does it say about the manager’s opinion of the forward?

Taiwo Adeniyi in action for Union Berlin (Image: Union Berlin)

The former youth international is in fine form for Bundesliga side, Union Berlin, having scored eight goals since joining from Liverpool, but Rorh seems not to trust him for the role of leading the team into the AFCON.

With Osimhen out, Rohr may be kicking himself for not developing Awoniyi as a major option for the Eagles in Cameroon in January.

Emmanuel Dennis

Emmanuel Dennis, unlike Isaac Success before him, has adapted well to life in the Premier League since joining Watford in the offseason.

In 13 league appearances, he has scored six goals with five assists, making him one of the hottest strikers in the English Premiership so far. His well taken goals against Manchester United and Chelsea has shown his killer instinct and co-uld be an instant success for the Super Eagles.

The Watford star Dennis equals Deeney’s Premier League record with goal against Chelsea. Watford. Emmanuel Dennis has become the first Watford player to score in three Premier League games in a row since February 2017. The 24-year-old scored Watford’s only goal in their 2-1 defeat against Chelsea on Wednesday.