“Without Osimhen, Nigeria is finished” – Eric Chelle urged to test Victor Boniface, others for Unity Cup

Former Nigeria international Henry Isaac has advised Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle to rest star striker Victor Osimhen for the upcoming Unity Cup in London, urging the team to test alternative attacking options, Footynaija.com reports.

Osimhen, who has been by far the best player in Turkey this season, is Nigeria’s focal point in attack, scoring all three goals in their recent World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

However, Isaac believes Chelle must look beyond the Galatasaray forward to build a more balanced team.

Victor Osimhen :

“I received transfer offers during the mid-season break, but I didn’t even look at any of them!

My only wish is to win the championship with Galatasaray. After we finish the season with the championship, we will look at transfers.” (via @EfsaneFotospor) pic.twitter.com/XhR6nWqaTR

— Imhons Erons (@Imhons) March 9, 2025

“It is good that Chelle wants to give our other attackers a chance in the Unity Cup tournament,” Isaac told Brila.net. “In the Super Eagles, if Osimhen does not perform, 75% nothing will happen up front.”

Isaac argued that the Unity Cup, a non-competitive four-nation tournament featuring Nigeria, Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium in May, presents the perfect opportunity to try players like Victor Boniface, Umar Sadiq, and Tolu Arokodare.

“The likes of [Victor] Boniface should be tried up front in this tournament. Use new and unused players in this tournament just to see what we can do and how to adjust the team,” he said.

36 games
31 goals
7 assists
38/GA in 36 games for Galatasaray

Victor Osimhen pic.twitter.com/ptmP4bkKfK

— Janty (@CFC_Janty) April 27, 2025

Despite their club form, Boniface and Sadiq have been underused in the national team, with Osimhen often playing the full 90 minutes.

Isaac warned that Nigeria’s heavy reliance on Osimhen could backfire without a solid backup plan in place.

“I think this tournament is crucial for us to build another team on the side, because if anything happens to Osimhen, Nigeria is finished,” he added. “Victor is battling with injuries, so he should have a stand at the national team.”

“It is best if Osimhen doesn’t go for this tournament,” Isaac concluded.