Odegbami: Osimhen’s state of mind will be a big factor on his performance

Former Green (Super) Eales winger, Segun Odegbami says Victor Osimhen’s state of mind will be a big factor on how he performs on Saturday (if he plays) as the Super Eagles look to redeem their image battered in their last two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Republic of Benin.

Writing in his weekly column in The Guardian, Odegbami says the present drama surrounding the reigning African player of the year may either weigh him down or fire him up to deliver the goals.

‘Africa’s current Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, did not play the last set of matches with the Super Eagles including the one against Benin Republic. His state of mind will be a big factor on his performance.

‘It may either weigh him down or be a source of challenge to prove that his absence was a factor in Nigeria’s loss. He has also been embroiled in several controversies, all of them psychologically dampening.

‘These include his spat with the last coach of the Super Eagles, Finidi George, issues with his coach at Napoli, and issues around his end-of-season transfer saga, a very poor advertisement for his management, and a huge distraction for any meaningful preparation for this match in Uyo.

‘Victor is the last player to arrive the Uyo camp with only 24 hours to train with the team for the first time since February. To start him in the line-up will even be a big gamble for coach Eguavoen who is handling the team without earning the right to do so.’