Nigerians were excited to see Victor Osimhen shine in the national team colors. The 23-year-old had the opportunity to showcase his talent during the Super Eagles’ first two qualifying matches for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations against Benin Republic and Rwanda.

However, Osimhen, the primary striker, faced challenges at his club. Napoli had signed Romelu Lukaku, leaving him sidelined. He only arrived in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, after securing a season-long loan to Galatasaray, which happened after the regular European transfer window had closed. By then, he was jetlagged and out of form, having not played since the previous season.

Given this situation, interim coach Austin Eguavoen wisely started Boniface against Benin Republic in Uyo. However, Boniface struggled to make an impact and was substituted for Osimhen in the second half, shortly before Osimhen scored Nigeria’s second goal.

Eguavoen maintained his trust in Boniface for the match in Kigali, but he was replaced by Osimhen at halftime. This led to disappointment among fans, with some labeling Boniface a “flop.”

Sports analyst Ope Adebari disagrees, stating, “I won’t say he flopped. He put in a good effort; the main issue was the lack of goals due to him being isolated because of Eguavoen’s tactical approach used during the AFCON tournament.”

Just days after returning from international duty, Boniface scored twice for Bayer Leverkusen in their 4-1 victory over Hoffenheim, demonstrating clinical finishing.

Adebari highlighted the difference in tactics: “Leverkusen uses a 3-4-3 formation with two attacking midfielders who support Boniface, while the Super Eagles rely on wingers. Boniface thrives on link-up play, but struggled with hold-up play for Nigeria.”

Although Boniface may get another opportunity, Osimhen is expected to be in form and ready to start. Adebari believes both forwards could play together, suggesting a front three of Boniface, Lookman, and Osimhen.

He emphasized the need for coaches to integrate the best players effectively. “This combination will only work if Wilfred Ndidi is paired with either Frank Onyeka or Raphael Onyedika instead of Alex Iwobi. The 3-4-3 system needs a holding midfielder and a box-to-box midfielder who are both technically skilled, and the mentioned players can help the front trio succeed for the Super Eagles.”

Ademola Lookman will be the focal point when Atalanta takes on Arsenal in a UEFA Champions League match at Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo today.

Lookman shone in Atalanta’s UEFA Europa League final victory over Bayer Leverkusen last season, scoring an impressive hat-trick.

The 26-year-old made a significant impact in his first Serie A start against Fiorentina on Sunday, contributing one goal and one assist to help La Dea snap a two-game winless streak.

Previously, Lookman netted one goal in the Champions League during his time with RB Leipzig in Germany.

Another strong performance against the Gunners could bolster his chances of winning the African Player of the Year award.

Austin Eguavoen, the interim manager of the Super Eagles, stated that he will decide today whether Victor Osimhen will start in the match against the Republic of Benin.

The teams are set to face off in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Saturday evening at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

Osimhen was the last player to join the Super Eagles camp, as he needed to finalize his future after not securing a move to Chelsea or Al Ahli from Napoli during the summer transfer window.

The 25-year-old ultimately signed a loan deal with Turkish club Galatasaray on Thursday and then joined his teammates for training in Uyo.

Regarding whether Osimhen will be in the starting lineup against Benin, Eguavoen mentioned at the pre-match press conference:

“To determine that, considering we have a squad of 23 players, I need to reflect overnight before making the decision on who will start tomorrow.”