Defenders scared of Osimhen — Onyeka

Frank Onyeka has described Victor Osimhen as being “on another level” and believes opposition defenders at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be “scared” of the Nigeria striker.

Onyeka and Osimhen are part of a Super Eagles squad out to make amends for their defeat in the final of the 2023 AFCON by hosts Ivory Coast, a game which both players started.

Osimhen, 26, found the target just once during that tournament, but now sits second in Nigeria’s all-time goalscoring list with 31 goals in 45 appearances, behind only the legendary Rashidi Yekini.

“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.”

—BBC

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