Former Nigeria international striker Obafemi Martins has called for stronger competition for places in the Super Eagles attack, saying the team should not depend too much on Victor Osimhen.
Martins said Nigeria’s struggles when Osimhen was unavailable during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers showed the need for quality alternatives in the team.
The Super Eagles failed to win any of the five matches Osimhen missed. Nigeria drew with Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa twice, before suffering a surprise defeat to Benin Republic.
Although Nigeria reached the African play-offs, their World Cup hopes ended after the Democratic Republic of Congo defeated them on penalties.
Osimhen was unable to take a penalty in that match after he was substituted at half-time because of an injury. Akor Adams replaced him.
According to Martins, the answer is not to remove Osimhen from the team but to have other quality strikers who can compete with him for a starting place.
Speaking on Mikel Obi’s The Obi One Podcast, Martins recalled the competition he faced during his own time with the Super Eagles.
He said he had to compete with strikers such as 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.
‘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 said.
Martins defends Osimhen
While calling for more competition, Martins also defended Osimhen against criticism of his behaviour.
The former Inter Milan and Newcastle United striker said Nigerians should appreciate what Osimhen contributes to the national team and should not mistake his passionate nature 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,’ Martins 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 has scored 35 goals for Nigeria and is now just two goals away from matching Rashidi Yekini’s record as the country’s highest-ever goalscorer.
The 27-year-old has also continued to perform strongly for Galatasaray.
Manager Okan Buruk has reportedly adjusted the team’s attacking style to create more opportunities for the Nigerian striker.
The changes have already produced several goal contributions for Osimhen in three consecutive matches.
He provided an assist and won a penalty in Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over Göztepe at the weekend.
Osimhen has scored five goals and provided two assists in three league appearances this season.
Meanwhile, former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has claimed that Osimhen remains interested in joining the Premier League club.
Saha said Osimhen is a Manchester United supporter and believes the Nigerian striker is still waiting for the club to make an approach.
‘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.’
Martins’ message is clear: Nigeria needs more quality attacking options capable of competing with Osimhen and performing when the Galatasaray striker is unavailable.