AFCON Qualifiers: We have capable replacements for Osimhen, says Eguavoen

Super Eagles interim coach Austin Eguavoen has said Victor Osimhen wouldn’t be missed much in this month’s Group D AFCON qualifiers against Libya as there are capable replacements for him.

Osimhen went off injured in Galatasaray’s home game against Kasimpasa in the Turkish Super Lig.

The Napoli striker, who is on loan to Galatasaray, bagged a brace but was replaced at half time due to the injury as his side surrendered a 3-0 lead to draw 3-3.

The injury automatically ruled him out of the AFCON qualifying double header with the Mediterranean Knights of Libya.

In an interview on Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) TV, Eguavoen admitted that Osimhen would be missed but there are capable hands who can replace him.

“It’s a team sport not an individual sport,” Eguavoen said. “We are in touch with him, he is a huge miss because we all know how important and impactful Osimhen can be but we have other players who can step into his shoes.

“He’s not here physically but I’m 100 percent sure spiritually he is with us.”

After two games played the Super Eagles, who are on four points, top the group while Libya are bottom with just one point.

Speaking on the possible threat the Libyans can pose, the 1994 AFCON winner said:”They are down now doesn’t mean they can’t rise because they have a couple of games to play and they would come here and fight.

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“We have forgotten about the past games now, we are looking at Libya’s game, not even the away game, our focus right now is the game in front of us.”

He added that though it will be a tough encounter, the Eagles will emerge victorious.

“The boys are ready and we are going to give Libya a tough fight, we will fight for those three points, every second count and we know what it means to get the job done and over with as quickly as possible. It’s going to be tough but I think at the end of the day, and with the boys we have and the spirit, they will deliver.”