The Trials and Turmoil of Nigeria’s Super Eagles: Victor Osimhen’s Journey

Nigeria has faced significant challenges since their exit from the group stage of the 2018 World Cup. The team failed to reach the finals of both the 2019 and 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and missed qualification for the 2022 World Cup, losing to Ghana on away goals during the CAF play-offs.

Anticipation for a turnaround was high ahead of the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast, rescheduled for January 2024 due to weather concerns, with Victor Osimhen seen as a key player. However, his performance fell short of expectations; while Nigeria reached the final, Osimhen managed only one goal from 24 attempts throughout the tournament, contributing to the team’s disappointing 2-1 loss to the host nation.

The Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign deteriorated, securing just three points from their first four matches, which included draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, followed by a loss to Benin. Following the appointment of Eric Chelle as manager in January 2025, results improved, but Nigeria still finished second in their group behind South Africa, qualifying only for the play-offs.

A semi-final victory against Gabon briefly improved morale, but Nigeria’s journey ended abruptly when they were eliminated by underdogs DR Congo in a penalty shootout. This disappointing outcome meant Nigeria would not participate in the final intercontinental qualifier, especially significant given FIFA’s expansion of World Cup slots from 32 to 48 teams.

Despite these setbacks, Osimhen demonstrated his commitment, scoring eight goals in seven qualifying appearances, including a brace against Gabon. However, injuries prevented him from participating in crucial matches against South Africa and Benin, and he left the field prematurely during the encounter with DR Congo, which may have changed the fate of Nigeria’s campaign.

Notably, Osimhen found himself in the eye of a media storm following a surprise loss to Benin, with reports suggesting that former manager Finidi George claimed Osimhen could have played. Osimhen vehemently denied such allegations in a heated Instagram post, stating that he would not allow anyone to tarnish his reputation. This public outburst led to George’s resignation, although it was later revealed that it was related to the Nigerian Football Federation’s decision to appoint a foreign adviser without prior discussion.

George expressed disappointment, suggesting that Osimhen’s behavior was disrespectful and raised concerns about his discipline. This incident may have influenced Chelle’s decision to appoint Wilfred Ndidi as captain instead of Osimhen following the retirement of William Troost-Ekong.

In his defense, Osimhen accepted some responsibility for the team’s failure to qualify, rallying his teammates ahead of the 2025 AFCON. His performance was commendable in the group stages, where Nigeria secured wins against Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda, as well as a 4-0 victory over Mozambique, in which he was instrumental.

However, Osimhen’s temper flared during a match against Mozambique, where he confronted teammate Ademola Lookman over perceived missed opportunities. This on-pitch confrontation led to further scrutiny of his attitude, especially after he exhibited a lack of effort post-incident, which drew criticism from former Nigeria international Jon Obi Mikel.

Despite the controversies, Osimhen continued to perform well, scoring against Algeria in the quarter-finals and bringing him closer to equaling Nigeria’s all-time scoring record. He expressed a desire to win for his country, acknowledging his growth as a player.

However, his inconsistency was evident in the semi-finals against Morocco, where he delivered a lackluster performance during a penalty shootout after a goalless draw. The decision to substitute him due to an ankle injury raised eyebrows, yet his overall display did not reflect the championship aspirations of the Super Eagles.

Looking ahead, Osimhen’s potential to break the scoring record remains, but his legacy will ultimately depend on his ability to contribute to the team’s success. His outbursts and emotional challenges could hinder future opportunities, particularly as he seeks to attract interest from major clubs in the Premier League.

Despite his achievements, Osimhen must work on his temperament to solidify his place among Nigeria’s football legends. His recent controversies, including confrontations with teammates and reported character concerns, highlight the need for personal growth as he aims to achieve greatness both at the national level and in club football.