Nigeria international midfielder Frank Onyeka says opponents of the senior national team of Nigeria are scared of Victor Osimhen as the team heads into the AFCON.
While looking ahead to the tournament, where they will begin their campaign on the 23rd of December against Tanzania, Onyeka waxed lyrically about the 26 year old who will spearhead their attack at the tournament.
“He’s such an amazing player,” Onyeka told BBC Sport Africa when asked whether his team-mate’s reputation as one of the world’s best strikers brings a psychological advantage even before kick-off.
“He’s a guy that wants to fight for every single ball. For me, I think the defenders are scared of him.
“Victor is on another level.”
The Super Eagles only took four points from a possible 15 when Osimhen was absent during their ultimately unsuccessful 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
And the team also appeared to lose their way in their World Cup play-off against DR Congo when the Galatasaray frontman was forced off at half-time.
“Missing Victor going into the second half, [it] changed a bit,” Onyeka admitted.
“Even one of the players from Congo said the same. When Victor left it gave the defenders a bit of rest and then they can relax a bit.”
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
