Osimhen is a big miss- Eguavoen
The absence of Osimhen and Dennis will affect Nigeria playing style
The Nigeria coach says the absence of Victor Osimhen and Emmanuel Deniss will force the Super Eagles to change their playing style in the tournament.
Recall that, Osimhen who plays for the Italian giant, Napoli could not make it to the Africa cup of Nations after being named in the squad list due to a positive Covid result.
Emmanuel, on the other hand, that plays for Watford in the EPL, will also not be appearing in the Green-White-Green jersey in the tournament because his club refused to let him go.
The duo had a good run of form ahead of the competition- Dennis has netted eight goals in 17 appearances and Victor 9 goals in 15 appearances so far this season.
On the back of this, the Nigeria coach was quizzed by allnigeriasoccer on the implications of their absence from the team. The Coach admits that it is a big blow to the Super Eagles- they will miss them greatly. Consequently, the coaching team will have to change their playing style as the in-form strikers are no longer available.
Leon Balogun and Shehu Abdullahi will also not make it to the continental championship due to injuries.
Henry Onyekuru, Olympiacos, Tyronne Ebuehi, Venezia, Peter Olayinka, Slavia Prague will play instead of Victor, Dennis, and Balogun. Abdullahi, who is also not part of the Nigeria Afcon team due to injury, has been replaced by West Bromwich Albion’s Semi Ajayi.
The Super Eagles will commence their quest to win the Afcon title for the fourth time against the Pharaohs of Egypt on January 11. The last time they won the title was in 2013, the era of Vincent Enyeama, Ogenyi Onazi, John Obi Mikel, Victor Moses, Emmanuel Emenike, and Sunday Mba.
