‘Step up and try to be the main man’ — Ex-Everton man charges Arokodare, Dessers to take advantage of Osimhen’s injury

Nigeria will head into their crucial World Cup qualifier against South Africa without their talisman Victor Osimhen, and former Super Eagles striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni believes this is the perfect chance for other forwards to seize the spotlight.

With Osimhen sidelined after sustaining a chin injury in the 1-0 win over Rwanda, Aiyegbeni has urged Tolu Arokodare and Cyriel Dessers to rise to the occasion.

Speaking to Soccer Beat, the ex-Everton and Portsmouth and Everton man stressed that the Super Eagles cannot afford to depend solely on Osimhen.

“For sure he wants to play but he's not going to be available,” Yakubu said. “We have other strikers. Like I said, it is time for the other strikers [Tolu Arokodare and Cyriel Dessers] to step up and try to be the main man so that we don't depend on one player.”

The Yak, who scored 21 international goals, highlighted Osimhen’s relentless work ethic but argued that the team must find balance by empowering others to deliver when the Galatasaray man is absent.

Nigeria currently sit third in Group C with 10 points, trailing leaders South Africa after beating Rwanda 1-0 in Uyo.

That makes Tuesday’s clash at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein a must-win if Eric Chelle’s men are to keep their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup alive.

While Osimhen’s absence is a major blow, Yakubu insists the squad has enough talent to cope. “We know when Victor plays he gives everything, but now it is time for others to make the country proud,” he added.

The pressure is now on Arokodare and Dessers to shoulder the goalscoring burden in what could be a decisive night for Nigeria’s qualification journey.