Victor Osimhen’s injury has handed Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle a major selection dilemma as Nigeria begin their quest for qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Osimhen, Nigeria’s established first-choice striker, is set to miss the upcoming qualifiers after sustaining a suspected groin injury while playing for Galatasaray.
With the prolific forward unavailable, Chelle must decide who will spearhead the Super Eagles’ attack when they take on Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau later this month.
The French-Malian coach is not short of alternatives, with Tolu Arokodare, Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams and newly invited George Ilenikhena all capable of filling the void left by Osimhen.
Arokodare could have a strong claim for the starting position after making an impressive impact at Ajax.
The striker has scored four goals and provided two assists in six appearances for the Dutch giants this season, underlining his current form and giving Chelle a player capable of providing both a physical presence and a goal threat.
His combination of height, strength and movement could make him an effective focal point for Nigeria’s attack.
Paul Onuachu offers Chelle a more experienced alternative.
The towering Trabzonspor forward has considerable international experience and has previously demonstrated his effectiveness as a traditional target man.
His aerial ability and hold-up play could give Nigeria a different attacking dimension, particularly against opponents expected to defend in compact formations.
Akor Adams is another candidate who could benefit from Osimhen’s absence.
The forward has been involved regularly under Chelle and has previously played alongside Osimhen for the national team.
His familiarity with the coach’s tactical demands could work in his favour, while his pace and movement offer Nigeria an option to attack spaces behind opposing defences.
Perhaps the most intriguing option is George Ilenikhena, who has received his first senior invitation to the Super Eagles.
The 20-year-old striker has enjoyed a remarkable start to the 2026/27 campaign with Al-Ittihad, scoring five goals in his first five competitive appearances, including a brace against Al-Nassr.
His explosive form has thrust him into the spotlight at precisely the right time for Nigeria.
Ilenikhena’s invitation also signals Chelle’s willingness to introduce fresh attacking options into the national team. The youngster has reportedly committed his international future to Nigeria following discussions with the Super Eagles coach.
While handing him a starting role in his first senior call-up would represent a major gamble, his current form could make him difficult to overlook.
The challenge for Chelle will be finding a replacement who can replicate, as closely as possible, Osimhen’s ability to stretch defences, press opponents and provide a consistent goal threat.
The Super Eagles cannot afford a slow start in the qualifiers, making the choice of their attacking focal point one of the most important decisions ahead of the opening fixtures.
Nigeria are scheduled to begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo on September 25, before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
With Osimhen unavailable, the spotlight will now turn to Arokodare, Onuachu, Adams and Ilenikhena.
For Chelle, the question is simple but crucial: who can step up when Nigeria need goals?