Okoku hails Osimhen leadership role in Super Eagles

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Okoku hails Osimhen leadership role in Super Eagles

By Vincent Akinbami

Former international,Paul Okoku has praised Victor Osimeh for the role he played in super eagles 3-1 win over Uganda in their last group match of the 2025 Afcon yesterday

In the 27th minute, Victor Osimhen did what defines elite team players — he chose service over spotlight. His unselfish movement with the ball created space, and instead of forcing a shot, he released a pass to Paul Onuachu. The effort was struck straight at the goalkeeper — a chance that could easily have resulted in a goal had the finish been placed calmly into either corner.

Paul okoku said ,what mattered more was the mindset.

Osimhen resisted the temptation of individual glory, opting instead to stretch the defense and create opportunity for others. Moments later, that same team-first approach paid off. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s intelligent delivery found Onuachu, who made no mistake this time, converting clinically to give Nigeria the breakthrough.

That goal changed everything.

Uganda’s goalkeeper denied Victor Osimhen a clear goal-scoring opportunity that would almost certainly have put Nigeria 2–0 ahead. In attempting to stop the ball outside the penalty area with his hand, he knowingly violated the laws of the game. It was a deliberate act — not accidental — taken in full awareness of the consequences.

The decisive moment arrived in the 56th minute, when goalkeeper J. Salim was correctly dismissed for denying Osimhen a clear goal-scoring opportunity outside the box. The decision may have felt severe, but it was entirely consistent with both the letter and the spirit of the law.

What followed was telling.

Nigeria responded exactly as top teams are expected to — with composure, clarity, and punishment.

Between the 62nd and 67th minutes, Raphael Onyedika announced himself — twice. One stretched finish, one composed strike. Clean. Efficient. Decisive.

For a moment, Nigeria led 3–0 with a man advantage. That should have been the end.

Osimhen wore the armband with maturity. When substituted late, he handed it over seamlessly — leadership without theatrics.

Paul okoku talked about the positive and negative hẹ as noticed in the three matches played sọ far by the super eagles

According to him
The positives are clear:
• Squad depth is improving
• Chemistry is building
• Attacking responsibility is being shared
• Eight goals scored in three matches, none from penalties
• Multiple players, beyond Victor Osimhen, are contributing goals — a clear sign of depth
• Sustained superiority in ball possession over opponents

But the concerns are real and remain:
• Lapses in concentration at key moments
• Wasteful crossing and poor final decisions
• Moments of complacency after taking control
• Failure to convert clear chances consistently
• Four goals conceded in three matches — an excessive return at this level
• Inconsistent game management

He added that Progress is evident, but the standard has not yet been met.

Nigeria must sharpen focus, because the knockout stage does not forgive lapses.

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— Paul Lucky Okoku
Former International | Football Analyst
Published Online

Former Nigerian Super Eagles International
• CAF: AFCON 1984 Silver MVice Captain, Flying Eagles of Nigeria (Class of 1983) — FIFA U-21 World Cup, Mexicoedal Winner
• WAFU Nations Cup 1983 Gold Medal Winner
• CAF: Tesema Cup (U-21), 1983 — Gold Medal
• Vice Captain, Flying Eagles of Nigeria (Class of 1983) — FIFA U-21 World Cup, Mexico