Wednesday Feb 15, 2023. 15:24
Former Nigeria international Friday Ekpo has explained why Victor Osimhen is not replicating his club form in the Super Eagles colours.
The 24-year-old striker, who has scored 15 goals from 22 international matches for Nigeria, is in scintillating form for SSC Napoli at the moment.
Osimhen has found the back of the net 17 goals from 18 Italian Serie A matches for the Little Donkeys – making him one of the most in-form strikers in Europe.
Ekpo, who played in 19 matches for the Super Eagles from 1989 to 1993, stated that Osimhen shouldn’t be put under pressure when he [plays for the West African giants.
“When the coach is assembling the team, they don’t spend an awful lot of time,” Ekpo said on Sports Ration.
“So there should not be too much pressure on him to play for the Super Eagles as much as he does at Napoli.
“Osimhen is not a one man riot. At his club, they understand him because they play regularly. That’s a huge difference,” he added.
“The Super Eagles coach should put on his thinking cap and have many good options in the striker position.”
The Super Eagles are set to take on Guinea-Bissau home and away in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers next month.
Coach Jose Peseiro’s side needs three points to secure their place in the finals which will be hosted by Ivory Coast next year.
