Former Nigeria international Obafemi Martins says the Super Eagles must develop another high-level striker capable of competing with Victor Osimhen for a starting place.
Martins believes Nigeria currently rely too heavily on Osimhen and need a dependable alternative who can challenge the Napoli forward directly while also strengthening the national team’s attacking options.
Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Martins compared the situation with his own time in the Super Eagles, when he had to compete with Yakubu Aiyegbeni for a place in the side. He said that rivalry was intense but remained professional, with both players understanding that competition for selection was part of international football.
“You need someone that is going to compete with all the players, not just Osimhen.
“My own time, we had Yakubu there. If Yakubu starts the game, I’ll be on the bench waiting.
“I know if he’s out and I score, I’m going to start the next game. We’re always like that. We don’t hate each other because of that.”
Martins also recalled a Nigeria attack that included several established forwards, naming Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Osaze Odemwingie and Julius Aghahowa among the players competing for opportunities.
He suggested that creating similar competition around Osimhen would benefit both the striker and the national team. In his view, another forward pushing for the starting role would ensure Nigeria have a reliable option available while encouraging every player in the position to maintain a high standard.
The former international also defended Osimhen’s emotional and confrontational style on the pitch, saying the striker’s visible intensity should not automatically be interpreted as a sign of poor character.
“You cannot keep him quiet. I think that’s what is keeping him going as well because the way he behaves does not mean he has a stinking attitude. That’s how he can play, so the majority of people don’t understand that.
“Seeing him is a blessing in the national team as a Nigerian. We should try to make him happy and let him score more goals.”
Martins’ comments underline the importance he places on managing Osimhen positively while also ensuring the Super Eagles do not become overly dependent on one player.
He said Osimhen’s passionate approach is part of what drives his performances and urged people around the national team to understand that temperament rather than attempting to suppress it.
For Martins, Osimhen remains a major asset for Nigeria, but the Super Eagles would be stronger if another top striker could compete with him in the same way that he once competed with Yakubu Aiyegbeni.
That rivalry, he explained, did not lead to resentment. Instead, it created clear incentives: if one player started, the other waited for his opportunity, knowing that a strong performance could change the selection picture for the next match.