RETIRED Nigeria international Obafemi Martins has called for stronger competition for places in the Super Eagles’ attack, saying the team must reduce its reliance on Victor Osimhen.
News Point Nigeria Sport reports that Nigeria struggled whenever the Galatasaray striker was unavailable through injury during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, failing to win any of the five matches he missed. The Super Eagles drew with Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa twice, and suffered a shock defeat to the Republic of Benin during that spell.
Nigeria eventually secured a place in the African play-offs for the 2026 World Cup, but their hopes of reaching the tournament were dashed by the Democratic Republic of Congo, who beat them on penalties.
Osimhen was unavailable to take a spot-kick in the shoot-out after being substituted at half-time through injury, with Akor Adams taking his place instead.
Reflecting on his own days with the national team, Martins pointed to the competition he faced from Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Osaze Odemwingie and Julius Aghahowa, saying such competition helped keep the attacking players motivated.
Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Martins said, “You need someone that is going to compete with all the players, not just Osimhen. My own time, we had Yakubu there.
“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.”
Martins insisted that Osimhen’s passion and outspoken nature should not be mistaken for a bad attitude, urging Nigerians to appreciate and support the striker, whom he described as a blessing to the national team.
“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 said.
“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 currently has 35 international goals to his name and is two goals away from matching Rashidi Yekini’s record as Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer.
The 27-year-old has also continued his fine form at club level, with Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk revealing that the team had reworked its build-up play to get Osimhen the ball in more dangerous areas. The tactical adjustment produced multiple direct goal contributions for the Nigerian in three successive matches, including an assist and a penalty in a 3-2 win over Göztepe at the weekend.
Osimhen has scored five goals in three league appearances so far this season and is already on course to surpass his tally of 15 league goals from the previous campaign.
Meanwhile, former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has claimed that Osimhen is keen on a move to Old Trafford despite interest from Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
“I know for a fact that Victor Osimhen is a Manchester United fan. He loves Man United,” Saha said.
“All United have to do is make the connection, but that is why it has not happened yet. Osimhen is still waiting.”