Obafemi Martins: Nigeria must find striker to challenge Victor Osimhen

Former Nigeria international Obafemi Martins says the Super Eagles need to develop another top-class striker capable of competing directly with Victor Osimhen for a starting place.

Martins believes Nigeria rely too heavily on Osimhen and should have a dependable alternative who can increase competition within the national team’s attack.

Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, the former forward compared the situation with his own time in the Super Eagles, when he competed with Yakubu Aiyegbeni for a place in the starting line-up.

Martins said the presence of several high-quality forwards meant places in the team had to be earned, while competition did not create hostility between the players.

“You need someone that is going to compete with all the players, not just Osimhen.

“My own time, we had Yakubu there. If Yakubu starts the game, I’ll be on the bench waiting.

“I know if he’s out and I score, I’m going to start the next game. We’re always like that. We don’t hate each other because of that.”

Martins also recalled playing alongside other prominent Nigeria forwards, including Osaze Odemwingie and Julius Aghahowa. He said the competition among the attackers helped maintain high standards rather than causing personal divisions.

The former Nigeria international believes the national team would benefit from having another striker who can challenge Osimhen for the starting role and provide a reliable option when the Napoli forward is unavailable or not selected.

Osimhen remains a central figure for the Super Eagles, but Martins said Nigeria should not allow their attacking threat to become too dependent on one player. Developing another leading forward, he added, would give the team greater strength and ensure that competition for places remains healthy.

Martins also defended Osimhen’s passionate and sometimes confrontational behaviour on the pitch, arguing that his intensity should not automatically be interpreted as a sign of poor character.

“You cannot keep him quiet. I think that’s what is keeping him going as well because the way he behaves does not mean he has a stinking attitude. That’s how he can play, so the majority of people don’t understand that.

“Seeing him is a blessing in the national team as a Nigerian. We should try to make him happy and let him score more goals.”

Martins said Osimhen’s fiery approach is part of what drives his performances and should be understood in the context of his commitment to playing. Rather than attempting to suppress that passion, he believes Nigeria should support the striker and create the conditions for him to continue scoring goals.

His comments come with the Super Eagles still seeking a stronger pool of attacking options, with Martins stressing that competition should be viewed as a positive force within the squad.