They need to step up - Aiyegbeni calls on Dessers, Arokodare to fill Osimhen's void

They need to step up - Aiyegbeni calls on Dessers, Arokodare to fill Osimhen's void

Hassan Abdulsalam 14:29 - 09.09.2025

Aiyegbeni urges Dessers, Arokodare to step Up in Osimhen’s absence

Former Super Eagles striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni has challenged Cyriel Dessers and Tolu Arokodare to seize the moment in Victor Osimhen’s absence when Nigeria face South Africa in their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday evening.

Osimhen, who picked up an ankle injury during the 1-0 victory against Rwanda on Saturday, has been ruled out of the tie in Uyo.

What Yakubu said

Speaking to Soccer Beat, Aiyegbeni stressed the need for Nigeria’s other forwards to rise to the occasion.

“For sure Victor Osimhen wants to play but he’s not going to be available,” the former Everton striker said.

“We have other strikers [Tolu Arokodare and Cyriel Dessers]. They need to step up and try to be the main man so that we don’t depend on one player. We know how Osimhen fights on the pitch and now we’ve players in the team. I think it is time for them to step up and make the country proud.”

The Super Eagles currently sit under pressure in Group C after a stuttering start to their qualification campaign, making the South Africa clash a must-win encounter.