Former Super Eagles striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni has come to the defense of Victor Osimhen following the Napoli forward’s goalless outing in Nigeria’s opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Despite failing to find the back of the net, Osimhen played a pivotal role as the Super Eagles kicked off their campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tanzania at the Stade Fès in Fez. Goals from defender Semi Ajayi and 2024 African Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, secured the three points for the three-time continental champions.
Osimhen, the 2023 African Player of the Year, had several opportunities throughout the match — registering seven shots, three of which were on target. He thought he had extended Nigeria’s lead minutes after halftime, but his effort was disallowed for offside. Nevertheless, the Galatasaray loanee’s relentless pressing, movement, and physical presence caused consistent problems for the Tanzanian defense.
While some Nigerian fans and pundits were quick to criticise Osimhen for his inability to convert chances, Yakubu — who scored 21 goals in 62 appearances for the Super Eagles — urged restraint and perspective.
“As a striker, you miss chances, and you score some. I think he works so hard for the team, he was just unlucky not to score,” Yakubu told The Boom Show on the sidelines of the tournament in Morocco. “You can’t judge a striker solely on goals in one game. Victor is a top-class player, and I’m confident he’ll deliver when it matters most.”
Yakubu, affectionately known as “Yak,” also highlighted the improved performance of Nigeria’s midfield — a unit he had previously criticised for lacking creativity in the build-up to the tournament.
Alex Iwobi, who provided assists for both Nigerian goals, was particularly praised by the former Middlesbrough and Everton striker. Samuel Chukwueze also impressed with his pace, dribbling, and interplay down the right flank.
“I can say today is much better with Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi. They try to create some chances. We still need a creative midfielder, but they did really well this time,” Yakubu noted, acknowledging the progress the team has made in linking defense to attack.
The victory over Tanzania marks a positive start for the Super Eagles, who are seeking their first AFCON title since 2013. Nigeria came agonisingly close last year, finishing as runners-up after a 2-1 defeat to hosts Ivory Coast in the final.
With momentum on their side and key players stepping up, the team now turns its attention to a crucial Group D clash against Tunisia this Saturday. A win would put them in a strong position to advance to the knockout stage, before rounding off the group phase against Uganda next Tuesday.
While Osimhen remains under the spotlight as the team’s chief goal threat, the message from former legends like Yakubu is clear: trust the process, support the star, and focus on the collective performance.
As the tournament heats up in Morocco, all eyes will remain on Osimhen — not just to score, but to lead by example. And if history has taught us anything, elite strikers often save their best for the biggest moments.
For now, Nigeria celebrates a win, a work in progress, and a team slowly finding its rhythm — with their talisman still primed to explode.
