Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka has lavished praise on Victor Osimhen, describing the Napoli striker as a footballer operating at an elite level and predicting that defenders at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will struggle to contain him.
Both Onyeka and Osimhen are expected to play key roles for Nigeria as the Super Eagles prepare for the 2025 AFCON, eager to redeem themselves after narrowly missing out on the 2023 title. Nigeria finished runners-up in that tournament after losing the final to host nation Ivory Coast, a match in which both players were in the starting lineup.
Although Osimhen scored only once during the 2023 AFCON campaign, his overall influence and quality were evident. Since then, the 26-year-old has continued to cement his status as one of Africa’s finest forwards, climbing to second place on Nigeria’s all-time goalscoring chart. With 31 goals in 45 international appearances, he now trails only the legendary Rashidi Yekini in the Super Eagles’ scoring records.
Speaking to BBC Sport Africa, Onyeka highlighted Osimhen’s relentless style of play and the psychological advantage his presence gives Nigeria. He described the striker as a player who battles for every ball and constantly unsettles opposing defences. According to Onyeka, Osimhen’s intensity and aggression make him a nightmare for defenders, many of whom are already intimidated before kickoff.
Onyeka also pointed to Nigeria’s struggles whenever Osimhen is unavailable as further proof of his importance. During the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, the Super Eagles managed just four points from a possible 15 in matches where the striker was absent, a run that significantly dented their qualification hopes. The team’s drop in momentum was also noticeable during the World Cup play-off against DR Congo, particularly after Osimhen was forced to leave the pitch at half-time.
Onyeka admitted that Osimhen’s early exit in that match altered the dynamic of the game. He noted that even opposition players acknowledged the difference, with a Congolese player reportedly admitting that the defenders felt more at ease once Osimhen was no longer on the field.
While Onyeka remains a regular fixture in the national team, his club career has presented challenges in recent seasons. The 27-year-old midfielder has struggled for consistent playing time at Brentford and is yet to start a Premier League match this season under manager Keith Andrews. He spent the previous campaign on loan at Augsburg in Germany, where he worked extensively on his mental strength and match preparation.
During his stint in the Bundesliga, Onyeka embraced mindfulness techniques to help manage pressure and maintain focus. He explained that calming his mind and concentrating on his breathing, particularly before matches and during half-time, helped him stay composed and mentally sharp.
Although he failed to score in 34 appearances for Augsburg, Onyeka made important goal contributions for Nigeria. He scored a dramatic 91st-minute winner against Benin Republic that secured Nigeria’s place in the World Cup play-offs and also found the net in the defeat to DR Congo.
Reflecting on his development, Onyeka said he has been eager to add goals to his game and often discussed this ambition during his time in Germany. He expressed disappointment over Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the next World Cup, especially given the abundance of talent in the squad. However, he believes that setback can serve as motivation, fueling the Super Eagles’ determination to return to the AFCON stage, win the tournament, and bring the trophy back to Nigeria.
Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka has lavished praise on Victor Osimhen, describing the Napoli striker as a footballer operating at an elite level and predicting that defenders at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will struggle to contain him.
Both Onyeka and Osimhen are expected to play key roles for Nigeria as the Super Eagles prepare for the 2025 AFCON, eager to redeem themselves after narrowly missing out on the 2023 title. Nigeria finished runners-up in that tournament after losing the final to host nation Ivory Coast, a match in which both players were in the starting lineup.
Although Osimhen scored only once during the 2023 AFCON campaign, his overall influence and quality were evident. Since then, the 26-year-old has continued to cement his status as one of Africa’s finest forwards, climbing to second place on Nigeria’s all-time goalscoring chart. With 31 goals in 45 international appearances, he now trails only the legendary Rashidi Yekini in the Super Eagles’ scoring records.
Speaking to BBC Sport Africa, Onyeka highlighted Osimhen’s relentless style of play and the psychological advantage his presence gives Nigeria. He described the striker as a player who battles for every ball and constantly unsettles opposing defences. According to Onyeka, Osimhen’s intensity and aggression make him a nightmare for defenders, many of whom are already intimidated before kickoff.
Onyeka also pointed to Nigeria’s struggles whenever Osimhen is unavailable as further proof of his importance. During the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, the Super Eagles managed just four points from a possible 15 in matches where the striker was absent, a run that significantly dented their qualification hopes. The team’s drop in momentum was also noticeable during the World Cup play-off against DR Congo, particularly after Osimhen was forced to leave the pitch at half-time.
Onyeka admitted that Osimhen’s early exit in that match altered the dynamic of the game. He noted that even opposition players acknowledged the difference, with a Congolese player reportedly admitting that the defenders felt more at ease once Osimhen was no longer on the field.
While Onyeka remains a regular fixture in the national team, his club career has presented challenges in recent seasons. The 27-year-old midfielder has struggled for consistent playing time at Brentford and is yet to start a Premier League match this season under manager Keith Andrews. He spent the previous campaign on loan at Augsburg in Germany, where he worked extensively on his mental strength and match preparation.
During his stint in the Bundesliga, Onyeka embraced mindfulness techniques to help manage pressure and maintain focus. He explained that calming his mind and concentrating on his breathing, particularly before matches and during half-time, helped him stay composed and mentally sharp.
Although he failed to score in 34 appearances for Augsburg, Onyeka made important goal contributions for Nigeria. He scored a dramatic 91st-minute winner against Benin Republic that secured Nigeria’s place in the World Cup play-offs and also found the net in the defeat to DR Congo.
Reflecting on his development, Onyeka said he has been eager to add goals to his game and often discussed this ambition during his time in Germany. He expressed disappointment over Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the next World Cup, especially given the abundance of talent in the squad. However, he believes that setback can serve as motivation, fueling the Super Eagles’ determination to return to the AFCON stage, win the tournament, and bring the trophy back to Nigeria.
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