'Sadiq plays well, Iheanacho good left foot' - Odemwingie hails Nigeria forwards except Boniface

Former Super Eagles winger Osaze Odemwingie has lauded the quality of Nigeria's forward line ahead of their upcoming friendly against Russia but expressed concerns over Victor Boniface's underwhelming performances for the national team.

Odemwingie made the remarks while analyzing Eric Chelle’s 21-man squad selected for the June 6 international friendly at the Luzhniki Stadium.

Despite not being familiar with many of the players, the former Lokomotiv Moscow star remains optimistic about their potential.

"I see new names in the Nigerian national team. I don’t even know half of the players, but I’m sure they are talented players who will try very hard. And ‘hungry’ players always hinder the opponent’s play,” Odemwingie told Championat.

Speaking on Nigeria’s attacking options, the former international praised the depth but challenged the forwards to prove their worth at the national level.

"I see good players in Nigeria’s attack, some of them should show themselves," he stated.

However, Odemwingie was less enthusiastic about Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface, who has struggled to replicate his club form with the Super Eagles.

"Many people talk about Boniface, but he doesn’t show all his talent in the national team. Now he will have a chance without Osimhen and Lookman," he said.

Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman were omitted from the squad—possibly due to fatigue after a long season—but Odemwingie believes their absence provides an opportunity for others to shine.

"I don’t know the reasons why they are not on the list. Maybe it’s a long season, they are tired."

The 43-year-old also highlighted the qualities of some of Nigeria’s more familiar faces, including Sadiq Umar, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, and Kelechi Iheanacho.

“Umar Sadiq can play very well, score goals. Chukwueze and Simon on the flanks are technique, Iheanacho can also score, he has a good left foot," he added.

Nigeria’s clash with Russia serves as preparation for the resumption of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign in September, where the Super Eagles will aim to recover ground after a slow start in Group C.

Adeyemi Adewale

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