Yakubu Says Nigeria’s Reliance on Osimhen Cost World Cup Ticket

Former Nigeria striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni says the Super Eagles missed out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup because the team relied too heavily on Victor Osimhen. Nigeria failed to qualify after losing to DR Congo in the play-offs.

Osimhen had scored crucial goals on the road to the play-offs, including a hat-trick and a brace in earlier rounds. But a hamstring injury forced him off at half-time against DR Congo, and Nigeria failed to register a shot on target for the rest of the game. The match eventually went to penalties, where the three-time AFCON champions lost.

Yakubu, speaking on the Home Turf podcast, said, “We only have one striker… only one plays like a madman on the pitch… We only have Osimhen. I think the rest are just happy to be in the national team.” He added that in his era, competition was fierce and every striker fought for a place.

He also criticised the team’s reaction after Osimhen’s exit, saying, “The moment Osimhen went out… I knew the game was finished… We were tactless. No game plan.”

Yakubu further blamed coach Eric Chelle, saying his decisions were ineffective and arguing that Nigeria still needs a decisive foreign coach.