'Power-playing forward' - Elijah tells Eric Chelle what Olusegun will bring to Super Eagles

Former Nigerian international Sam Elijah has tipped Olakunle Olusegun to make a strong impact for the Super Eagles if he is handed his competitive debut by manager Eric Chelle in Tuesday’s decisive World Cup qualifier against Benin.

Olusegun, who plays on loan for Pari Nizhny Novgorod in the Russian Premier League, is in line to make his competitive debut after missing the clash against Lesotho due to visa complications.

Elijah said Nigeria needs young, hungry players like Olusegun who are determined to make their mark and fight for the country.

"We need players, young boys that want to make names for themselves and honour the country," he told allnigeriasoccer.com.

"Not because already they are known and are boys. Somebody like Olakunle these are the kind of players we need for now."

The former Super Eagles midfielder described Olusegun as a 'power-playing forward' whose physical presence and pace can unsettle defenders and create space for top striker Victor Osimhen.

"He would bring his strength, Olakunle is a power playing striker and we need power playing strikers that can run down the defense line.

"That's why I said we need players that are hungry and have character and want to make names not those that are just playing for playing sake.

"Olakunle will be very valuable to the team, he will bring strength and power. By the time he is running down the defense, people like Osimhen will just be scoring the goals."

Olusegun made his non-competitive debut for Nigeria in a friendly against Russia in June 2025, replacing Crystal Palace midfielder Chrisantus Uche in the final 14 minutes.

As the Super Eagles chase a must-win result to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 23-year-old will be hoping to make his competitive debut and help Nigeria secure qualification for the global tournament.

Adeyemi Adewale

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