Former Super Eagles striker Peter Ijeh has challenged Nigeria’s other forwards to seize the opportunity created by Victor Osimhen’s absence when Eric Chelle’s side faces Madagascar in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo on Friday.
Osimhen’s injury has removed Nigeria’s established leading striker from the two qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, leaving Chelle with Taiwo Awoniyi, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and newcomer George Ilenikhena among his central attacking options.
For Ijeh, the situation represents an opportunity rather than a crisis, but he believes Chelle has an important psychological role to play in convincing his other forwards that they can carry the responsibility.
“The coach has to psychologically charge them up,” Ijeh said ahead of the encounter. “This is an opportunity for the other strikers to make their name.”
The former Malmö FF, FC Copenhagen and Viking striker knows the demands associated with leading an attack. Ijeh enjoyed a prolific club career in Scandinavia and also represented Nigeria at senior international level.
His message comes as Chelle considers who should lead the line at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Awoniyi was drafted into the squad following Osimhen’s withdrawal, while Adams has already declared his intention to contribute goals. Ilenikhena, meanwhile, could make his senior international debut after previously representing France at youth level.
Ijeh believes whoever gets the opportunity must approach it as a chance to demonstrate that Nigeria’s attack does not depend entirely on one player.
The former international has previously challenged Chelle to broaden competition within the Super Eagles, arguing earlier this year that more fringe and domestic players should receive opportunities to prove themselves.
Against Madagascar, however, the focus is firmly on the forwards already in camp.
With Osimhen unavailable, Ijeh’s challenge is clear, Chelle must inspire his remaining strikers and one of them must be ready to step forward and make the opportunity his own.
