With Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign approaching, Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle, must decide who will spearhead the attack following Victor Osimhen’s injury setback.
Osimhen, who plays for Galatasaray, picked up a groin injury on September 5 and is expected to spend about three weeks on the sidelines, putting his participation in Nigeria’s qualifiers against Madagascar on September 25 and Guinea-Bissau on September 29 in doubt.
The development leaves Chelle with several options for the No.9 role, although the contenders differ considerably in terms of current club form, international experience and previous contributions to the national team.
Paul Onuachu would ordinarily be among the experienced alternatives, but uncertainty over his availability could further limit Chelle’s choices ahead of the qualifiers.
Arokodare’s club form
Tolu Arokodare enters the selection debate on the back of an impressive start to his campaign with Ajax, where he joined on a season-long loan from Wolves.
The 25-year-old has scored five goals and supplied two assists in seven appearances, making him one of the most in-form Nigerian forwards available to Chelle.
His record with the Super Eagles, however, remains modest compared with his recent club performances, having scored twice in 10 appearances since making his debut in March 2025.
His first international goal came in Nigeria’s friendly against Russia in June 2025, while his second secured a 1-0 victory over Rwanda in a World Cup qualifier.
That combination of strong club form and limited international output leaves Chelle with a decision over whether Arokodare’s current momentum outweighs his relatively short national-team record.
Adams brings AFCON experience
Akor Adams offers Chelle a more established international record after making his Super Eagles debut in October 2025.
The 26-year-old has scored six goals and provided two assists in 15 appearances for Nigeria, including two goals during the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Adams also impressed at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where he scored twice and registered two assists.
His recent club form has been more modest, with two goals and one assist in five appearances for Venezia following his summer move from Sevilla.
One factor that could strengthen his case is his previous partnership with Osimhen at the 2025 AFCON, where the two forwards developed an effective understanding.
Chelle may therefore consider whether Adams can offer a similar attacking balance alongside the other forwards available for the upcoming qualifiers.
Durosinmi pushing for recall
Rafiu Durosinmi has also entered the conversation after making a strong start to his career at Genk following his move from Pisa.
The Ojo-born striker has scored four goals in five league appearances for the Belgian club, continuing a resurgence that followed two transfers across the last two windows.
Durosinmi featured for Nigeria in friendly matches earlier this year and showed his ability to shoulder more responsibility during the Unity Cup in May.
He completed 90 minutes against Jamaica before playing 45 minutes against Poland, giving Chelle another option if he wants a forward capable of stretching opposing defences.
His lack of competitive international experience, however, could count against him when the coach weighs his recent club form against the records of the other contenders.
Iheanacho’s experience
Kelechi Iheanacho offers the most extensive international experience among the leading alternatives, although he has not played a competitive match for Nigeria since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in January 2024.
The 29-year-old has recently enjoyed a revival in Turkey with second-tier Bursaspor, scoring eight goals and providing two assists in six matches.
His latest form follows an improved spell towards the end of last season with Celtic and could strengthen calls for his return to the national team.
The major consideration for Chelle will be whether Iheanacho’s performances in the Turkish second tier are sufficient to place him ahead of Nigeria’s other striking options.
His long absence from competitive international football also means that selecting him would require Chelle to assess how quickly the experienced forward can adapt to the demands of the qualifiers.
Chelle’s decision
Osimhen’s absence removes Nigeria’s most established attacking reference point, leaving Chelle to choose between current form, international pedigree and tactical compatibility.
Arokodare has the strongest recent club numbers, Adams possesses the most convincing recent AFCON pedigree, Durosinmi is pushing strongly for recognition, while Iheanacho brings considerable experience.
The first opportunity to establish a new attacking hierarchy will come against Madagascar on September 25, before Guinea-Bissau provide another test four days later.
For Chelle, the challenge is not simply finding Osimhen’s replacement, but identifying the forward capable of making the No.9 position his own while Nigeria begins its journey towards the 2027 AFCON.
