Martins Says Eagles Need More Strikers to Support Osimhen

Retired Nigerian player Obafemi Martins thinks the Super Eagles need more competition in attack. This will help lessen the team's reliance on Victor Osimhen, as reported by PUNCH Sports Extra.

Nigeria had a tough time when the Galatasaray striker was injured during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. They didn't win any of the five matches he missed. The Super Eagles drew with Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa twice, and surprisingly lost to the Republic of Benin during that time.

Eventually, Nigeria made it to the African play-offs for the 2026 World Cup. But their chances of reaching the tournament ended when they lost to the Democratic Republic of Congo in a penalty shoot-out.

Osimhen couldn’t take a penalty kick in that shoot-out after being substituted at half-time due to injury. Akor Adams took his place instead.

Martins remembered the competition he faced from players like Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Osaze Odemwingie, and Julius Aghahowa when he played for the Super Eagles.

In an interview on The Obi One Podcast, Martins said, “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 emphasized that Osimhen's passion should not be mistaken for a bad attitude. He called on Nigerians to appreciate and support their star striker.

“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,” he 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 international goals and is just two goals away from matching Rashidi Yekini’s record as Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer.

The 27-year-old is also doing well at his club. Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk mentioned that the team has changed its play style to get Osimhen the ball in better positions. This change has helped him contribute directly to multiple goals in three straight matches, including an assist and a penalty in a 3-2 win over Göztepe last weekend.

Osimhen has netted five goals in three league matches this season. He is already on track to beat his total of 15 league goals from last season.