Eric Chelle namechecks five great players in Super Eagles squad apart from Victor Osimhen

Speaking at Monday's pre-match press conference ahead of his side’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle dismissed suggestions of overdependence on Victor Osimhen, stating that he has many great players — all attackers — who can make a difference.

Without Osimhen in the squad, the Super Eagles struggled, managing just three points from their first four matches and leaving themselves with ground to make up halfway through the qualifiers.

The Galatasaray striker lived up to his reputation as Nigeria's talisman, scoring twice to lead the three-time African champions to a 2-0 win over Rwanda’s Wasps last Friday — their first victory in the qualifiers.

Eric Chelle has emphasized the importance of teamwork ahead of his side's crucial World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe.

Chelle described Victor Osimhen as a 'superstar' but insisted that the entire team must play their part in ensuring the Napoli loanee and other attackers can deliver goals.

The Malian football tactician namechecked Victor Boniface, Tolu Arokodare, Sadiq Umar, Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze as part of the impressive array of stars in the Super Eagles team.

"Victor is a superstar so we need to work together, every player needs to work together to help our star score lot of goals," Eric Chelle told reporters in Uyo.

"Every player in this team is a great star. Alongside Victor, you have Boniface, Tolu (Arokodare), Umar, Lookman, Samuel (Chukwueze), you have many great players

"We need to play with the same identification, just for scoring goals. This is why we need to bring a game project for the team."

Muscle injuries kept Victor Osimhen out of the World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Benin.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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