Former Real Madrid midfielder Mutiu Adepoju has dismissed suggestions that Victor Osimhen's absence was responsible for the Super Eagles' 3-0 defeat to Guinea Bissau in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Galatasaray striker, who has enjoyed a prolific start to the campaign, missed the encounter due to a fitness concern.
The 27-year-old had scored six goals and provided two assists in his opening four league appearances, underlining his impressive form at the start of the season.
Adepoju described the Super Eagles' display as a poor one and expressed concern that Nigeria could be left relying on permutations to determine their qualification fate.
"It was a very bad game, we didn't play very well. It is not too good for us because at the end of the day, we will be looking for calculators to calculate this team wins which is not supposed to be," Adepoju said to allnigeriasoccer.com.
The former Nigerian international further attributed the disappointing result to the team's overall character, attitude and mentality during the encounter.
"There are many factors but the attitude of the players? If the players are not putting everything possible on the field, even if the coach has a fault, the players know how they have been playing in their various clubs and what is at stake. I am not going to put the blame on one person but the team entirely," he added.
On Moses Usor's prospects with the Super Eagles, he backed the forward to become a long-term asset to the national team, but noted that his effectiveness would also depend on the overall performance of the team.
"Definitely (he can be a long term asset to the Super Eagles) if the team continues to play well. What determines the performance of the players is the team too. If the team continue winning, he would continue to play a great game."
The former Shooting Stars midfielder also rejected suggestions that Victor Osimhen's absence was solely responsible for the defeat, pointing to the team's defensive shortcomings after Nigeria conceded three goals.
"Osimhen is a striker, probably if they play and there are no mistakes in the defense. But we conceded three goals, is it Osimhen that is going to come and defend? The team entirely have fault not because somebody is not there."
"If Osimhen is there and the team is not playing well, if he doesn't get the passes, how is he going to score? I would rather think of the whole team entirely. If one person is missing, there are other players that are there take up," Adepoju concluded.
Following the defeat, the Super Eagles currently sit second in Group L with three points, while Guinea Bissau lead the group with six points.
Adeyemi Adewale
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