Osimhen: Is it time to ditch the Naples forward from the Super Eagles squad in AFCON?

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The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) by tradition is a low-scoring tournament.

Specifically, lethal forwards in Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba and even Mo Salah have struggled in some editions. 

The scorching sun, quality of pitches and set-up of teams is a big contributor to this effect. The Nigerian forward line have only mustered 2 goals in as many games in this tourney despite the hype following this unit prior to the tournament.

Moses Simon had arguably his poorest game in a Nigerian shirt in the opening fixture against Equatorial Guinea, Ademola Lookman hasn’t quite replicated his form with Atalanta in the Italian league and current African best player has gotten the end of the stick in recent games. 

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His outing thus far…….

Recall, it was his goal a little after a minute of Iban Salvador’s opener at Stanley Nwabili’s end that earned the Super Eagles a point in their first game and his quick thinking against Ivory Coast that won Troost Ekong’s game winning penalty.

However, he’s still come under heavy criticism in the past games. Completing just one pass in the entire 90 in the opener and blazing a potential game winner agonizingly wide of Jesus Owono’s goal. It has not helped matters with his country’s fanbase who seek instant impact and results.

On the contrary, sandwiched in between Ivory Coast’s back 5 in rest shape marshaled by Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande, he was on the best of his hold up play. Bringing Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze into the game, he looked much better and comfortable receiving in the wide channels and leading the attack.

The Napoli topman by style is a player who likes to breach highlines, make runs in behind the defensive line in transitions and receive around the penalty box in a quick switches of play. Owing to his commendable pace and power.

Looking much and more like a victim of his own success, if the goals from big chances continue to elude him, as with most fanbases, the criticism will follow.

What next for the Olusosun Batman?

In a tournament the Jose Peseiro led squad have been below par and coupled with the relatively non-existent creativity in the Nigerian ranks, the football faithful will need to cut him some slack.

With the absence of Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface. It is evident that the Partenopei forward is still the nation’s best outlet up top ahead of Paul Onuachu and Terem Moffi.

Afterall, he’s the country’s second all time top scorer only behind the legendary Rashidi Yekini. If the Nigerian team can recover their form, the forward will most certainly get his groove back.