Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka has praised Victor Osimhen as a player operating on a completely different level, insisting that opposition defenders at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will be genuinely fearful of the Nigeria striker.
Onyeka and Osimhen were both part of the Nigerian squad that suffered a narrow defeat to hosts Ivory Coast in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. That loss remains a painful memory for the team, and the current squad is determined to make amends when the tournament returns in 2025.
Although Osimhen scored only once during the 2023 competition, his overall contribution to Nigerian football has continued to grow. At 26, he now sits second on Nigeria’s all time goalscoring chart with 31 goals in 45 appearances, trailing only the legendary Rashidi Yekini. For Onyeka, the statistics only reinforce what defenders already know when they line up against him.
Speaking about Osimhen’s impact, Onyeka described him as an exceptional competitor who fights relentlessly for every ball. He believes Osimhen’s reputation alone gives Nigeria a psychological advantage before matches even begin, as defenders are constantly under pressure whenever he is on the pitch. According to Onyeka, Osimhen’s intensity, movement and aggression unsettle opponents and force mistakes.
Nigeria’s struggles without Osimhen further underline his importance to the team. During the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, the Super Eagles managed just four points from a possible 15 in matches he did not feature in. The absence of their talismanic striker coincided with a noticeable drop in attacking threat and overall cohesion.
That influence was also evident during Nigeria’s World Cup play off defeat to DR Congo. Onyeka admitted the game changed when Osimhen was forced off at half time. Even opposition players reportedly acknowledged that his departure allowed their defenders to relax, reducing the constant pressure they had faced while he was on the field.
While Osimhen continues to command headlines, Onyeka’s own career has involved a quieter period of personal development. Despite being a regular figure for Nigeria in recent years, the midfielder has struggled to secure a starting role at Brentford and is yet to start a Premier League match this season under new manager Keith Andrews. He spent the previous campaign on loan at Augsburg in the Bundesliga, where he focused heavily on his mental preparation.
Onyeka says his time in Germany helped him embrace mindfulness as part of his routine. By staying calm and focusing on his breathing, particularly before matches and during half time, he believes he has improved his composure and readiness. That mental discipline proved valuable during Nigeria’s World Cup qualification push, where his late goals against Benin and DR Congo were decisive moments.
As Nigeria prepare for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the combination of Osimhen’s world class presence and a squad strengthened by experience and mental resilience offers renewed optimism. For Onyeka, there is no doubt that with Osimhen leading the line, Nigeria possess a forward capable of striking fear into any defence on the continent.
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